OEKO-TEX® is continuously working to improve thier products. This new ruling is implemented to increase the level of confidence into the quality of the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification, its customers and their production sites. A Self-Assessment will ensure the quality and traceability of manufactured products, proper wastewater and emission management as well as worker safety.
Up until now the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification consisted of a mandatory CAS-number screening and laboratory analysis. Self-Assessment and On-Site Visit were voluntary. While the On-Site Visit will remain optional for the time being, the Self-Assessment will become a mandatory requirement for every customer who has not yet passed it for their production sites as of April 2023. The first certification or renewal issued after the first of April 2023 must be accompanied by a valid Self-Assessment.
In the Self-Assessment you must describe to your testing institute what measures are taken regarding quality management, traceability, health and safety and the environment. A questionnaire with minimum criteria has to be filled out and sent to your testing institute. Thereupon, the result of the Self-Assessment is valid for three years.
The Self-Assessment can include, but is not limited to, the following points:
- Review of certificates regarding environmental management systems
- Review of documentations that prove adequate air emission, wastewater and waste management, including hazardous waste disposal
- A commitment to health and safety including safety plan and training records
In addition, every ECO PASSPORT certified customer will automatically receive ZDHC conformance level 2.