Introduction

• Brief introduction
• Applying for the Flower
• For whom is this tool
• Goal of the tool
• What can you expect
• Procedure

Applying for the Flower
When applying for the European Eco-label:

• the applicant has to report the trade names and identification numbers of the products in question;
• all chemicals used for the Eco-labelled product(s) have to be reported;
• the applicant has to compile documentation (declarations and test reports) for all relevant criteria for the product(s);
• analysis of chemicals and emissions shall be carried out by laboratories. The test method indicated in the criteria should be used for testing;
• all relevant documentation has to be sent to the Competent Body together with the application. A copy of all material should be kept at the applicant
• the applicant has the responsibility for the product(s) being in continue compliance with the European Eco-label criteria.

For whom is this tool
This Webtool is made for applicants of the European Eco-label for Textiles. Applications may be submitted by manufacturers, importers, services providers, traders and retailers. Traders and retailers may submit applications in respect of products placed on the market under their own brand names.

Goal of the tool
The purpose of this Webtool is to present you the requirements that you have to meet in order to apply for the European Eco-label for Textiles.

This Webtool is a way to make the process of application for the European Eco-label easier. The Webtool identifies your needs and presents you tailor-made application that suits your product.

The official criteria are being layed down in the "Commissions Decision of May 15^th 2002 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to textile products (2002/371/EC)". These criteria were used to develop this Webtool.

What can you expect
This Webtool will lead you through questions about your product(s). By answering the questions you are composing a taylormade 'to do list', which gives you an overview of the relevant criteria and the actions you have to take to apply for the European Eco-label.

Via the 'to do list' you can download pre-made forms of declarations and test reports. You can fill these out, print them and sent them to the Competent Body for assessing the application, together with all other relevant information.

Clicking on the criteria opens a pop-up screen with: the criteria, exceptions (if relevant), assessment and verification, test requirements and the actions. In the last three columns you can directly download the documents that need to be signed, either by you as applicant, or by a supplier or an other party. The first step when applying for the Flower is filling in a general application form common for all product groups under the EU Eco-labelling scheme. You also need to fill out general information concerning your textile product.

Procedure for assessing the application
You can apply for the European Eco-label by sending all the signed documents to the Competent Body. After receiving an application file the Competent Body examines the documentation material. The Competent Body can ask for further information, if necessary.

After all documentation has been approved the Competent Body may pay an on-site visit to the applicant and/or his suppliers. The Competent Body judges from case to case whom to visit.

When all requirements have been met you sign a contract with the Competent Body. The Competent Body notifies the application in the European Commission. You may then use the Flower on your products!

More information
If you have additional questions after reading this introduction, please contact your Competent Body. To find the Compentent Body in your country click here.