FAQs of Green Labels
1. Does the Singapore Green Label Logo certify that my product is "Green"?
Yes, the Singapore Green Label is the only type I label in Singapore and the most reliable label to certify that products have lesser impacts on the environment. Type I labels offer an independent third party assessment of products environmental attributes based on a life cycle analysis approach.
2. Is the Singapore Green Label recognised internationally?
Yes, The Singapore Green Label is a type I label and a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).
3. How do I apply for my product to be Singapore Green label certified?
We suggest that you contact us first to find out whether your product qualifies. Meanwhile this site contains all the information necessary to learn about the scheme, the type of products endorsed and the procedure to apply.
4. How long will the process take?
A normal process takes 4-5 weeks from the moment we receive the full application form with supporting documents. We however offer optional services which come at extra cost:
- Express processing: ~3 working days
- Fast processing: ~7 working days
5. Does SEC test products?
No. We do not test the products ourselves but rely on third party accredited laboratories. In Singapore these are SINGLAS accredited laboratories. We accept overseas test reports provided they are delivered by a government accredited laboratory in the respective country and an independent third party.
6. Is SEC a profit organisation?
No, SEC is a nongovernmental non for profit organisation and a registered charity. All profits made through the scheme are reinvested into running the SGLS or in other SEC projects.
7. What do you define has a Green Product? Is my product Green?
The SGLS is a class I label. We therefore assess products based on a life cycle approach. We address the main environmental impacts of a given product and fix limits for compliancy in order to reduce these impacts. In order to qualify, a product must fit in one of our existing categories and meet all the requirements for this category (100% compliancy).
We do not certify products based on their energy efficiency or other single environment benefits alone. We always consider the overall impacts of a product which includes the raw materials, manufacturing process, composition, health impacts and disposal of a product.
8. Do I need to renew my products every year?
Yes, products must be renewed every year. Failure to renew will result in the licence been withdrawn
9. I have obtained endorsement for my product under the SGLS. Can I use the Green Label Logo on my name cards/cover letters...?
Yes, but only if the logo is clearly associated with the name of the products which have gained endorsement and displays the ID number and the given SGLS text
10. Are there rules governing the usage of the label?
Yes, usage of the Singapore Green Label is governed by a set of legal rules. Failure to follow these rules is an offence and subject to legal pursuit.
11. I have already obtained a Green Label from overseas, can it be recognised?
We only recognise overseas type I labels which are a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). We do not accept or recognise self declared schemes such as the US Green Guard or LEED program.
12. Is it compulsory that I gain the Singapore Green Label to sell my products in Singapore?
No, the Singapore Green Label is a voluntary scheme. However, the Singapore Green Label is a great asset and marketing tool for products. Furthermore, many development projects in Singapore now require that products be Green Label certified in order to gain endorsement under the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Scheme.
13. What is the difference between the Singapore Green Label and the Singapore Green Mark?
The Singapore Green Label is own and administered by the Singapore Environment Council. It is a scheme to endorse products and services. On the other hand, the Singapore Green Mark is own and administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and endorses entire buildings.
The relationship between the two schemes is that the BCA recognises the Singapore Green Label to showcase that a products have better environmental attributes. This enables buildings which incorporate such products to gain extra points towards obtaining the Green Mark.
