Quick answer: The EU Ecolabel is the official voluntary ecological label of the European Union. It is awarded to products and services that meet a set of environmental and quality criteria for their category. Compliance with the requirements is checked by an independent competent authority, so it is not just the manufacturer's own claim.
Updated: August 2026
Basic facts about the EU Ecolabel
- Official name: EU Ecolabel, also European Ecolabel in Czech.
- Type of label: voluntary environmental label of type I according to ISO 14024.
- System administration: European Commission and competent authorities of the member states.
- Verification method: assessment by an independent third party.
- Scope: multiple criteria and major impacts of the product throughout its life cycle.
- Symbol: stylized flower with European stars and the letter "e".
The system was launched in 1992. The criteria are not the same for all products — different rules apply to cleaning products, paper, textiles, cosmetics, or accommodation services.
What the certification assesses
The EU Ecolabel does not only look at one feature, such as recyclable packaging. The criteria are adapted to the specific product group and focus on the main environmental impacts from raw material acquisition to end-of-life.
For cleaning products, these may include:
- limitation of selected hazardous substances,
- impact of ingredients on the aquatic environment and their biodegradability,
- more sustainable origin of some raw materials,
- amount and recyclability of packaging,
- clear instructions for correct dosing,
- demonstration of adequate washing or cleaning effectiveness.
Thus, a product should not only be more environmentally friendly in one selected parameter. It must meet a set of requirements applicable to the given category.
Who awards the EU Ecolabel
The manufacturer or supplier submits an application to the competent authority in the given country. This authority assesses the documentation, composition, test results, and other required documents. If the product meets the criteria, it obtains a license and the right to use the EU Ecolabel logo in accordance with the system rules.
It is important that the control is not carried out only by the manufacturer. The European Commission describes the EU Ecolabel as a certification verified by an independent third party.
How to recognize and verify a real EU Ecolabel
When shopping, follow these three steps:
1. Look for the official flower symbol
The EU Ecolabel logo has a uniform appearance. A green leaf, a tree, or the word "eco" alone does not replace the certification.
2. Check the license number
The product usually includes a license code. Its format typically includes the country, product group, and license number, for example, IT/015/001.
3. Find the product in the official catalog
The European Commission operates a public catalog of certified products. You can search by name, license holder, product group, or license number.
For example, Ecoflacer Tabs Lavastoviglie, 22 tablets are listed in the catalog among dishwasher detergents under license IT/015/001.
What the EU Ecolabel does not mean
It does not mean "chemical-free"
Every cleaning product is a mixture of chemical substances, including products based on plant-based raw materials. The Ecolabel sets rules for composition and impacts, but it does not make the product "chemical-free".
It does not automatically mean 100% natural composition
The certification assesses environmental parameters and functionality according to the rules of the given category. It is not identical to the BIO label or the claim "only natural ingredients". Similarly, claims about biodegradability need to be read carefully — an article explaining this is what biodegradable means.
It does not mean zero impact on the environment
The production, transport, packaging, and use of every product have a certain impact. The EU Ecolabel identifies products that meet strict criteria for reducing significant impacts compared to the usual framework of the given category.
It does not mean you can ignore dosing
Too high a dose increases product consumption and wastewater burden. Correct dosing is part of responsible use even with certified toiletries.
What is the difference between "ECO" and "EU Ecolabel"
"ECO", "green", or "environmentally friendly" can be general marketing claims. Their meaning depends on the specific manufacturer and documented properties.
The EU Ecolabel, on the other hand, is:
- based on a publicly available system of rules,
- multi-criteria,
- adapted to a specific product group,
- verified by an independent party,
- traceable by license and catalog.
This does not mean that a product without the Ecolabel must automatically be bad. It means that with the Ecolabel, you have a uniform way of verification.
Why choose toiletries with the EU Ecolabel
Easier orientation
You don't have to compare dozens of chemical and environmental parameters yourself. The flower symbol confirms that the product has gone through the process established for its category.
Independent verification
The manufacturer must submit documentation, and compliance with the criteria is checked by the competent authority. This distinguishes certification from unverified advertising claims.
Requirement for functionality
Ecological requirements are not the only consideration. A certified product must also meet established quality or effectiveness requirements.
Support for correct use
The criteria for cleaning products also include information on dosing and use. The correct dose significantly influences the real impact of the product in the household.
Products with Ecolabel on Vygruntujeme.cz
The offer includes several types of certified products:
- Ecoflacer Tabs Lavastoviglie — ecological dishwasher tablets,
- VERDE ECO WC — toilet cleaner with Ecolabel,
- VERDE ECO VETRI E SPOLVERO — glass and washable surface cleaner,
- VERDE ECO SOAP — gentle liquid soap,
- BIO liquid soap Freshner Daisy — Ecolabel and Vegan.
Other products can be found in the ECOLABEL collection. For each product, read the intended use, dosing, and safety warnings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EU Ecolabel mandatory?
No. It is a voluntary certification system. The manufacturer applies for the label and must prove compliance with the criteria.
Who checks compliance with the criteria?
Applications are assessed by the competent authorities designated by individual states. Verification must be independent of the manufacturer or operator applying for certification.
Is Ecolabel the same as BIO?
No. BIO is used in other systems and contexts. The EU Ecolabel is a multi-criteria environmental label for defined groups of products and services.
Is a product with Ecolabel safe for children?
Certification does not mean that safety instructions can be ignored. Keep cleaning products out of reach of children and always follow the label. Some, despite certification, may irritate eyes or require other precautions.
Do Ecolabel products clean as well as conventional products?
Certification rules also include requirements for functional suitability. However, the result is always influenced by the correct dose, use on the intended surface, temperature, and degree of soiling.
Where can I verify a specific certificate?
In the official EU Ecolabel catalog, search for the product name or license number. For cleaning products, you can also filter by product group.
A more trustworthy path to an greener choice
The EU Ecolabel helps to distinguish documented certification from general green marketing. It does not say that the product has no impact or is completely natural. However, it confirms compliance with a set of rules for the given category, life cycle assessment, and independent verification.
When shopping, look for the flower symbol, license number, and the specific product in the official catalog. Then use it exactly according to the label — the correct dose is important for both the result and the actual impact on the environment.
