Protecting workers from hazards
Cleaners and solvents used in manufacturing must be approved as safer and listed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. Workers must receive risk training and protective equipment.
Products must be marked with a unique identifier
Certified products must be marked with a unique product identifier, enabling digital product passports and the transition to more circular practices.
Product durability
Products must pass durability and extreme temperature tests to ensure that they are designed for a longer life.
Management systems for environment and energy
Final assembly factories and display panel factories must have management systems for the environment (ISO 14001), and energy management (ISO 50001).
Increasing the demand for renewable energy
To help increase renewable energy production, IT brands must purchase renewable electricity equivalent to 15% of their own consumption in final assembly factories. Purchases must be made using accredited systems.
Finding safer alternatives to new hotspot substance categories
We continuously gather information to find safer alternatives to additional high-risk chemical categories. Currently, IT brands must report their use of adhesives and lubricants in manufacturing.
Explore our roadmap
TCO Certified evolves continuously to address the sustainability challenges of IT products. Our roadmap outlines detailed plans for the years ahead, driving progress toward more sustainable IT solutions.
Roadmap
Excluding the most hazardous substances
For more than 25 years, cadmium, mercury, halogenated flame retardants, lead and chromium have been banned from certified products and their packaging.
Environmental and energy management systems
Final assembly factories and display panel factories must systematically manage environmental responsibilities in line with ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 50001 (energy management).
Energy efficiency of products and power supplies
Products must meet the latest energy efficiency standards of Energy Star® or equivalent, and external power supplies must comply with the International Efficiency Protocol.