Product testing and verification

Independent, accredited product testing

Before a product can be TCO Certified it goes through a rigorous testing and verification process. All testing is done according to the specifications and methods outlined in the TCO Certified criteria document for the particular product. When a product successfully passes all testing and verification, TCO Development issues a certificate which is valid for two years.

In addition, we perform regular after market spot checks together with independent verification partners to ensure that products and production facilities carrying the TCO Certified designation meet all specified criteria. This independent verification is vital for maintaining TCO Certified’s position as a program to trust.

Test and verification partners

All criteria in TCO Certified are tested and verified by independent test and verification partners that are accredited according to ISI/IEC 17025 and approved by TCO Development. Visit our test and verification facilities page for a complete listing of labs and verification partners accredited to carry out these services for compliance with TCO Certified. The diverse set of criteria in TCO Certified demands a variety of expertise from a test organization. Therefore TCO Development has selected a number of verification partners based on specific expertise in specific criteria areas, including socially responsible manufacturing, environmental factors in the product life cycle, ergonomic design and user health & safety.

Third party certification

TCO Certified is a Type 1 Environmental Label, according to the International Standards Organization and is based on the principles in the ISO 14024 standard. Programs included in the ISO 14024 definition must include third party verification and multiple attributes in several areas:

• The product should be environmentally preferable and the criteria should be based on indicators arising from life cycle considerations
• Transparency in all stages of criteria development and involvement of multiple stakeholders.
• Compliance with criteria is tested by an independent third party
• Criteria selection and development are based on scientific principles

We make it easier for you to include and verify sustainability factors in your IT purchasing.