The EU Eco-Label Scheme

The first Eco-Labelling Organisation was established in Germany in 1977. Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and France founded similar certification systems. During the past ten years, National Eco-labelling Programmes have appeared one after the other across the World. In 1992, the European Union established its own unified product certification system - the EU Eco Label Scheme.

The EU Eco-Label scheme is a unique certification scheme aimed to help European consumers distinguish greener, and more environmentally friendly products and services. The scheme is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on a revised Community Eco-label Award Scheme.

The Eco-Flower

The Eco-Flower has become a European-wide symbol for products, providing simple and accurate guidance to consumers. All products bearing the "Flower" have been checked by independent bodies for complying with strict ecological and performance criteria. A product with the "Flower" adds value, since it has a reduced impact on the environment, and meets strict performance standards.

The European Eco-labelling Board and Competent Bodies

The EU Eco-label is administered by the European Eco-labelling Board (EUEB) and receives the support of the European Commission, all Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA). The Eco-labelling Board includes representatives such as industry, environment protection groups and consumer organisations. The competent body that administers the Eco-Label Scheme in Malta is the Malta Standards Authority (MSA).