National and international standards

• BSI

  The British Standards Institution (BSI) is a national organisation formed to devise agreed standard procedures for performance

  Carries the prefix 'BS, EN' EG:

  • BS EN 62115: Electrical safety in toys

  A) BSI Kitemark

  
• ISO


  International Standard Organisation (ISO)

  • BSI is one of over 150 national standards bodies, part of the ISO
  • The presence of the CE mark ("Conformité Européenne") means it safely conforms to all relevant standards to sell in the EU. Mandatory.
  • EG. BS EN ISO 9001: Quality Management
• RoHS


  Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)

  • European directive which restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products
  • Prevent hazardous substances from entering the production process in order to prevent damage to the environment and human health
  • Lead, Mercury, Chromium and Cadmium are restricted metals.
• Battery Directive

  Deals with specifically the restriction of hazardous substances and safe disposal of batteries and accumulators.

  A limit of 0.0005% Mercury is allowed in batteries

  The logo explains that batteries should not be disposed of in normal waste.

  A) Battery Directive Symbol

  
• Polymer codes for identification and recycling

  The Morbius loop is an internationally identified symbol of recycling. May include a percentage, number or material.

  A) PET

  B) HDPE

  C) PVC

  D) LDPE

  E) PP

  F) PS

  G) Other

  
• Packaging Directives


  The EU packaging directive aims to limit the production of packaging materials.

  • At least 60% of packaging waste must be recovered or incinerated at waste incinerators with energy recovery
  • Keep the weight and volume of packaging materials to a minimum
  • Design reusable or recoverable packaging
• WEEE Directive


  The Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive:

  • Mandatory European directive that covers the end of life of electronic equipment.
• The EC Energy label 


  To show the energy efficiency of a product

  
• Eco Labelling

  A label of environmental excellence that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their lifecycle.

  A) Ecolabel

  
• FSC


  Forest Stewardship Council logo can be found on products made from timber, paper and other forest products that are sourced from well-managed forest and/or recycled materials.

  Workers within the forest must be local, have a fair wage and be trained properly.

  When harvested, the trees must be replaced or allowed to regenerate, preventing deforestation.

  
• The EU Energy star


  Products are assessed on their power usage when idle and in sleep mode.