PCR development
Process for PCR Development
Choosing a suitable product category rule (PCR) is the first step in developing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The process of how a product category rule (PCR) is developed is explained below.
PCR development in the International EPD System
The development of a Product Category Rule (PCR) in the International EPD System (IES), conducted by a PCR Committee, is carried out in an internationally accepted manner through an open, transparent, and participatory process.
A PCR is developed in accordance with the rules in the General Programme Instructions (GPI), ISO 14025 and ISO/TS 14027, and other relevant reference standards specific to the product category.
The process of PCR development is composed of four steps:
Initiation
Preparation
Open Consultation
Review, Approval and Publication
The detailed process described below is compliant with ISO/TS 14027.
PCR adoption from other programme operators
PCRs may be adopted from another programme operator, in addition to the PCR development in the IES illustrated below. The adoption of a PCR is possible when there is a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for PCRs between IES and the PCR-holding programme operator.
If an MRA exists with another programme operator, PCR adoption will be the first choice before considering PCR development. Find the current list of MRAs: Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Please contact the Secretariat of IES with subject line “PCR Adoption” and indicate the product category, should there be a wish to adopt a PCR from another programme operator in IES.
Step 1: Initiation
Initiation includes defining a product category, appointing a PCR Moderator, and forming the PCR Committee.
The development of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is guided by a corresponding PCR. If a PCR does not exist for the product category of interest for EPD development, a new PCR may be developed, or an existing PCR from another programme operator may be adopted, provided a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRAs) is in place.
When defining a product category, considerations include existing PCRs, market condition, industry structure, potential applications, and the size of the affected stakeholder group.
The PCR Moderator, appointed by the Secretariat of IES based on evaluated expertise and experience, is responsible for developing and maintaining a time plan for the PCR development. The PCR Moderator also assembles a PCR Committee comprising parties with balanced interests.
Once a PCR is initiated, its information is available in the PCR Library with the status marked as 'under development’ with relevant information:
preliminary name and scope of the PCR
name, organisation, and contact information of the PCR Moderator
list of members of the PCR Committee, and
preliminary time plan of PCR development
If you are interested in becoming a PCR Moderator and initiating a PCR development, submit a PCR Development Checklist to the Secretariat of IES.
Step 2: Preparation
Preparation includes using PCR development-related documents and selecting relevant parameters.
Preparation involves adopting PCR templates; specifying the life cycle assessment (LCA) method; selecting LCA indicators, additional environmental, and social and economic information; and defining rules for comparability.
The PCR Template must be used to develop the draft PCR. When the PCR Moderator and PCR Committee have finished a draft PCR, the draft needs to be submitted to the Secretariat for approbal before the open consultation.
Step 3: Open Consultation
Open Consultation includes initiating public review and collecting comments.
The open consultation is a 2-month period, during which interested parties are invited to provide feedback to ensure the credibility and acceptance of the final document.
The open consultation is organised in a transparent, open, and online process that enables all stakeholders and interested parties to share comments informed by their expertise. All submissions are directed to the PCR Moderator, and subsequently reviewed and addressed by the PCR Committee.
The open consultation may include a public meeting, for example in the form of an online seminar to inform stakeholders and collect stakeholder feedback.
Step 4: Review, Approval and Publication
The final step includes preparing an updated draft, reviewing by the PCR Review Panel, obtaining approval by the Secretariat, and publication.
The PCR Moderator and PCR Committee are responsible for preparing an updated draft PCR. The updated draft takes the comments received during the open consultation into consideration and endeavours to resolve conflicting comments. The PCR review is performed by the PCR Review Panel to ensure that PCR methods are scientifically and technically sound. The review may also guide the further improvement of the PCR, for example in terms of requests or recommendations of clarifications or amendments.
Once the PCR draft is approved by the PCR Review Panel, the Secretariat makes final editorial changes, assigns a registration number, and publishes the final version of the PCR in the PCR Library. The validity period for the PCR is in the range of three to five years. Four years should be the default validity period, deviations from this should be justified in the PCR.
Updates
A PCR can serve as the basis for developing an EPD only within its designated validity period.
A PCR is valid for a pre-determined time period to ensure that it is updated at regular intervals. During its validity, any interested party may submit comment(s) on a published PCR by providing feedback to the Secretariat. The submission should include the PCR name and registration number in the subject line. Such comments may lead to an update during the period of validity, otherwise they should be used as input when the PCR is updated when it is about to expire.
An expired PCR cannot be used to develop and register a new EPD, or to extend the validity of an already existing EPD. The validity of the latest version of a PCR may be extended if an update of an existing PCR has been initiated and accepted by the Secretariat. The extension is conducted based on the General Prorgramme Instructions (GPI).
Updates of PCRs are categorised as small, medium, or large. When a PCR is updated, it is assigned a new version number, or a new registration number if the scope has been significantly modified.