MOU & MRA

Collaborations with peer EPD programme operators

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

The International EPD System (IES) is committed to promoting the harmonisation, comparability, and global acceptance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). In consequence IES engages in formal collaborations with peer EPD programme operators and other competent bodies through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).

An MOU reflects an initial commitment between two parties to explore potential areas of future collaboration. In contrast, an MRA represents a formal recognition by both parties of each other’s conformity assessment processes for Product Category Rules (PCRs) and/or EPDs.

Within IES, MRAs may cover:

EPD recognition only
Both EPD and PCR recognition

When an MRA includes PCR conformity, it allows a partnering EPD programme operator to adopt the other party’s PCR(s) within its own programme.

Note: Even when an MRA is in place, EPDs from different programmes may not be fully comparable due to variations in methodological choices, data quality, or other programme-specific requirements.

MOU & MRA with Peer EPD Programme Operators

Mutual recognition of Product Category Rules (PCRs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of all product categories.

As a voluntary option, EPDs registered with the EPD programme of AENOR (GlobalEPD) may bear the logotype of the International EPD System and vice versa if an additional fee is paid. Dually-registered EPDs are published on both the EPD Library of the International EPD System and the corresponding AENOR webpage.

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Mutual recognition of Product Category Rules (PCRs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of all product categories.

As a voluntary option, EPDs registered in the programme of EPD Norway may bear the logotype of the International EPD System, and vice versa if an additional fee is paid. Dually-registered EPDs are published on both the EPD Library of the International EPD System and the corresponding website of EPD Norway.

The similarities and differences between the two systems have been assessed in detail to ensure that the information produced is compatible as far as possible.

Please note that the additional requirements of the EPD Norway must be met:

Declaration of additional scenario information and LCA results for Module A4: Transport from production site to central warehouse in Oslo.
Dangerous substances; Self-declaration by the manufacturer of content of dangerous substances according to REACH or the Norwegian priority list, if more than 0.1% wt-%. No additional external verification is required for the content of the table.
Declaration of the country-specific electricity mix during the manufacturing process (Module A3).
If relevant, indoor air emissions from the product shall be declared.

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Mutual recognition of English or German-language Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for construction products compliant with EN 15804.

As a voluntary option, EPDs registered in the IBU programme may bear the logotype of the International EPD System and vice versa if an additional fee is paid. Dually-registered EPDs are published on both EPD Library of the International EPD System and the corresponding IBU webpage.

The similarities and differences between the two systems have been assessed in detail to ensure that the information produced is compatible as far as possible.

Please note that:

Incorporation of the dually-registered EPD into national databases, such as the Ökobau.dat in Germany may have additional requirements for the EPD.
The dual registration does not entitle the declaration owner to use the logo(s) of IBU beyond the EPD without the consent of the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (IBU).

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MRA (EPD & PCR)

Mutual recognition of Product Category Rules (PCRs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of all product categories.

As a voluntary option, EPDs registered in the Rakennustieto EPD programme may bear the logotype of the International EPD System and vice versa if an additional fee is paid. Dually-registered EPDs are published on both EPD Library of the International EPD System and the corresponding website of Rakennustieto EPD.

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Mutual recognition of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for building and construction products based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804.

As a voluntary option, EPDs registered in the SCS Global Services programme may bear the logotype of the International EPD System and vice versa if an additional fee is paid. Dually-registered EPDs are published on both the EPD Library of the International EPD System and the corresponding website of SCS Global Services.

The similarities and differences between the two systems have been assessed in detail to ensure that the information produced is compatible as far as possible.

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Interested in collaboration?

Explore opportunities for MOUs and MRAs

The Secretariat of the International EPD System (IES) welcomes inquiries from established EPD programme operators and other competent bodies interested in exploring collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and/or a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for EPDs and/or PCRs.

To express interest, please contact the Secretariat below with the subject line: “Inquiry on MOU / MRA”.

Contact the Secretariat