As part of this effort, PAGE supported a thorough review of the scheme’s structure including institutional frameworks to product categories and certification processes. A comparative analysis of global and national best practices helped identify critical gaps, providing a clear understanding on successful ecolabel standards and its potential alignment with India’s Eco-Mark scheme suiting to national and industry needs.
This review resulted in the development of a detailed framework aimed at improving the scheme, including recommendations for:
- Strengthening institutional governance,
- Updating and maintaining environmental criteria for products,
- Setting up a robust system for conformity assessment and enforcement,
- Expanding the list of product categories covered under the Eco-Mark Scheme.
These inputs were instrumental in shaping the “Draft Eco-Mark Certification Rules, 2023” officially notified by MoEFCC in October 2023 and finalized in September 2024. The updated rules mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the Eco-Mark Scheme, establishing a clear and improved framework for product certification, market surveillance, and consumer trust. This achievement was recognized by the Government of India during the PAGE India donor meeting in March 2024.
Building on this progress, PAGE is continuing its support by helping the government develop operational guidelines for the scheme. These guidelines will address key components like designating verifiers, conducting market surveillance, and verifying the authenticity of products awarded the Eco-Mark. Additionally, PAGE is assisting in the development of guidelines for an online knowledge platform to facilitate information sharing.
PAGE’s support has been essential in this process, and ongoing collaboration with UNEP’s Eco-Advance project will help ensure that India’s experience is shared globally, contributing to the broader efforts around sustainable public procurement and ecolabelling.
