Electronic and electric equipment, and electronic components (non-construction) (main PCR to be complemented by c-PCRs)

This main PCRs sets the overall and sector-general EPD requirements for the electronics sector, and allows EPDs based on a declared unit for all products of the sectors. More specific requirements will be set by complementary PCRs (c-PCRs), allowing EPDs based on functional units.

This document provides Product Category Rules (PCR) for the assessment of theenvironmental performance of Electronic and electric equipment, and electronic components (non-construction), and the declaration of this performance by an EPD. The product category corresponds to UN CPC divisions 43-48, 84 and HS codes - category 85 - Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Any electronic and electric equipment that classifies as construction product, is excluded from the scope of this PCR.

The UN CPC divisions can be consulted at https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/unsdclassifications/cpcv21.pdf.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes can be consulted at https://www.trade.gov/industry-classification-systems.

Non-exhaustive list of products falling under the scope of this PCR are:

• Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging systems, HS code 8504, or UN CPC code 461
• Power electronic converter systems and equipment, HS code 8504, or UN CPC code 461
• Electric accumulators, including separators therefor; whether or not rectangular(including square), HS code 8507
• Audio, Video and IT Products, UN CPC code 451, 452, 473, 476, 478
• Electrical appliances for household and similar purposes, UN CPC code 448
• Electricity metering equipment, UN CPC 4824
• Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies, part of UN CPC 462
• Servers, part of UN CPC 452
• Electrical machines and apparatus; having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, HS code 8543

Parts and accessories of computing machines (e.g., laser printer cartridges), UN CPC45290, are currently covered by PCR 2014:04. Upon its expiration in 2026-03-10, the present PCR will instead cover the product category.

The product categories in the below list are in general excluded. However, this PCR can be used if a product in the below list is classified as an EEE product according to applicable legislation (e.g., the WEEE directive) and there is an interest to comply with EN 50693. Where applicable, below list include PCRs or c-PCR of the International EPD System covering excluded product categories (these PCRs can be found on www.environdec.com):

• Bearings and parts thereof, UN CPC 433, covered by PCR 2023:03.
• Lifts, skip hoists, escalators and moving walkways, UN CPC 43540, covered by c-PCR-025 under PCR 2019:14 Construction products.
• Electrical motors and generators and parts thereof covered by PCR 2022:06 and PCR 2019:11, UN CPC 46112, and UN CPC 46131. However, electrical motors and generators not covered by PCR 2022:06 and PCR 2019:11 are in scope of this PCR.
• Air-conditioning machines, part of UN CPC 43912, covered by PCR 2021:02.
• Refrigerating and freezing equipment and heat pumps, except for household type equipment, covered by PCR 2019:14.
• Other special-purpose machinery and parts thereof, UN CPC 449, covered by PCR 2010:08.
• Machines for filling and packaging of liquid food, UN CPC 439211, covered by PCR 2012:18.
• Machine-tools for drilling, boring or milling of metal, UN CPC 44214, covered by PCR 2012:02.
• Machine-tools for material working by removal of material, UN CPC 44211, covered by PCR 2021:10.
• Electrical cables and wires for construction sector, UN CPC 463, UN CPC 41513, UN CPC 41533, covered by c-PCR-019 under PCR 2019:14.
• Any product classified as a construction product, for which PCR 2019:14 is applicable. Construction product here refers to “any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works" (Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC Text with EEA relevance).

When the PCR development process was initiated, the aim was to include also electronic services in the scope of the PCR. Services have since been removed from the scope. If you're interested in developing a PCR for electronic service, please contact the Secretariat

Please contact the PCR Moderator Diaa Gab-Allah for more information on this specific PCR and its scope.

For general questions on PCRs and the PCR development process, see the [PCR FAQ] or contact the Secretariat at [E-mail].

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