Battery longevity and replaceability
The battery must maintain good quality through many charging cycles and be replaceable using common tools, or tools provided for free with the product. Replacement instructions must be freely accessible.
Banning substances until they are proven to be safer
Flame retardants, plasticizers and stabilizers can only be used if they have been independently verified as safer alternatives, and placed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.
Audits and corrective action plans
To ensure steady progress in supply chain responsibility, factories are audited regularly. High-risk factories are audited more often, and all issues must be corrected within a set timeframe.
Anti-bribery management system
Brand owners must have an anti-bribery management system (ISO 37001) to prevent all forms of bribery in their operations.
An incentive system for more responsible factories
Factories are categorized by risk level and high-risk factories are monitored more often. IT brands can select factories with a good rating, which is an incentive for factory owners to prioritize their work with sustainability.
A dynamic list of safer substances
Substances are risk-assessed by independent toxicologists, and safer alternatives are presented on the publicly available TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.
5+ years of supported product lifetime
The IT brand must support the products it manufactures for at least five years by providing product warranties and free security and functionality updates.
5+ years of supported product lifetime
To significantly reduce annual emissions, products must be designed for a longer lifespan and supported with a warranty and free security and functionality updates for at least five years.