TCO Certified Generation 10: An Overview of Draft 2

This blog was originally posted on 6th March, 2024. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

AUTHORED BY CHELSEA CUNNINGHAM, HEAD OF KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS & SENIOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST, COMPLIANCE & RISKS

Introduction

TCO Certified is the world-leading sustainability certification for IT products. It includes a comprehensive system of up-to-date criteria, independent verification and a structured system for continuous improvement to drive real and lasting change.

The second draft of TCO Certified, Generation 10 is now released. Following the publication of the first draft, TCO have reopened the development process and are inviting all stakeholders to contribute by providing feedback by 20 March on the new draft documents.

Read on to find out more about the changes in the second draft of TCO Certified Generation 10, and the anticipated launch timeline.

TCO Certified Generation 10: Second Draft

The second set of draft documents have updated several criteria and contain some significant changes, focusing on climate, circularity, supply chain responsibility and safer substances. Including, but not limited to, some of the topic areas covered are as follows:

Provision of a repairability index for each product model;
Stricter requirements on anti-bribery;
Offering of extended warranty periods;
The use of a two-dimensional barcode containing the unique product identity;
Improved availability of software updates;
Easier battery replacement access; and
Responsible e-waste management and use of packaging materials.

The criteria documents for the relevant products can be found here:

Displays: Draft 2
Notebooks: Draft 2
Tablets: Draft 2
Smartphones: Draft 2
Desktops: Draft 2
All-in-One PCs: Draft 2
Projectors: Draft 2
Headsets: Draft 2
Imaging equipment: Draft 2
Network equipment: Draft 2
Data storage: Draft 2
Servers: Draft 2

Comparison Reports

For those of you looking for a comparison between the initial drafting phase of the documents and the new secondary release, TCO have provided comparison reports for each of the products mentioned above, which can be found here. Similarly, comparison reports for Generation 9 & Draft Generation 10 can be found here.

Submission of Comments

TCO welcomes comments on the submissions here, however, should you have several or more substantial comments, you are invited to use this Excel template document which you can upload through the form provided or send it via email to comments@tcodevelopment.com.

The deadline for submitting comments to TCO Certified Generation 10 Draft 2 is 20 March 2024.

What’s Next for TCO Certified Generation 10?

It is expected that the criteria and verification methods are scheduled to be released in May or June of 2024, around which time it is expected TCO will start accepting early applications.

By December 2024, it is anticipated that the launch of TCO Certified, Generation 10, along with the issuance of certificates and the unveiling of the first certified products shall go ahead.

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