External PCRs

To request an external PCR to be used in IES, the PCR document shall be sent to EPD International via support@environdec.com along with:

a. a proof that it is required by regulations and can be used in IES without a mutual recognition agreement (MRA)1, and

b. a description of the context in which it is required (e.g., the intended use of the EPDs).

This request may, for example, be sent by a prospective EPD Owner (typically a manufacturer), an LCA Consultant on behalf of an EPD Owner, an approved Verifier, or a Licensee of IES.

1 If the PCR requires an MRA to be used (e.g., due to IP rights), one shall contact EPD International to explore the option to develop an MRA with the owner of the PCR.

EPD International may then approve the use of the external PCR after a review of the external PCR and the proof provided.

The review aims to ensure that: 1) the external PCR follows ISO 14025, 2) the external PCR is required to be uses according to the regulation, 3) the external PCR can be used in IES without an MRA (e.g., with regards to IP rights), and 4) the external PCR is valid (i.e., has not expired).

External PCRs currently approved in IES are listed below.

Once the external PCR has been approved for use, the EPDs developed according to the approved external PCR can be verified and published in IES. This shall follow the normal procedure as outlined in the GPI, with the following clarifications, conditions, and exceptions:

a. The verifier involved in EPD development shall be an Individual Verifier or an Accredited Certification Body approved in IES.

b. The EPD shall include a statement specifying the use of the approved external PCR and the regulation under which the external PCR is mandatory for use.

Note: If it is an EPD of a construction product, the statement shall clarify what international standard the EPD complies with (e.g., ISO 21930). Note that EPDs published under the approved external PCR cannot claim compliance with EN 15804, as all EN 15804-compliant EPDs shall follow PCR 2019:14 and the associated ECO Platform standards.

c. EPDs verified according to the approved external PCR cannot be published using the EPD Compiler, unless an exception is made by the Secretariat. This is due to the EPD Compiler being an advanced function for PCR-specific EPDs.

d. The approved external PCR may be used as a basis for a pre-verified tool, according to the requirements outlined in Section 8.6 of the GPI.

e. If the approved external PCR is a c-PCR/Part B PCR, it shall be used together with the main PCR/Part A PCR referred to in the PCR, and not together with our corresponding main PCR (e.g., PCR 2019:14 Construction products).