FAQ
SGLS Website (SGL Account)

What is SGL Account?

This is a portal available to all existing applicants and licensee of the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme. They will be able to do the following:
• Provide an overview of the Existing application and Certification
• Update their company details
• Submit a new application
• Renew your existing certificate
• View the progress of application

Who will have access to the account?

By default, an account will be created for the main contact person of the company.

The login details will only be sent to the email address which is registered with us during the initial Singapore Green Label application.

Each company will be entitled up to 5 accounts. If your company wishes to change the accounts holders or request for an additional account, please send your request via email to greenlabel@sec.org.sg

I have lost my User ID/Password. Who can I contact?

If you forget your User ID, please click on the forget password or contact us at greenlabel@sec.org.sg
Certification Renewal

How do I renew my Singapore Green Label certification?

Please login to your SGL account and submit an online renewal application.

When do I renew my Singapore Green Label certification which is going to expire soon?

You can submit a renewal application 3 months prior to expiry to ensure sufficient time provided for assessment process to be completed timely prior to the expiry date.

It is advisable to renew your SGLS certification prior to the expiry of your certification to ensure continuous usage of the Singapore Green Label Logo. Do note that SEC takes a strong stand against logo misuse. If you do not intend to continue the Singapore Green Label certification, please ensure that the logo is removed from ALL the products and marketing materials (website, posters, flyers etcetera) of the product immediately upon expiry date. Failure to do so will result in possible legal repercussions.

If the Singapore Green Label logo cannot be removed from the packaging on the expiry date; a declaration to SEC would be needed stating the inventories that bear the Singapore Green Label logo and projected timeline for these inventories to be consumed. SEC will then follow up with respective individual on mitigation effort and recommendations.

Do I need to renew my product certification every year?

No. With effect from January 2020, SGLS product certification is valid for 2 years unless otherwise specified, and you will need to submit your renewal application at least 3 months before the expiry date. The applicable renewal fee is S$2,000 per certificate.

I am unable to renew. Why is that so?

Renewal can only be done prior to certification expiry date. A new application will have to be made if your certificate has expired unless application had already been submitted to SEC at least 2 weeks prior to expiry date and in the process of assessment.

The SGLS Secretariat has revised some of the SGLS product categories recently. Do I have to comply with the new criteria?

All new product applications will have to conform to the new criteria and be sent for additional product testing if required. Existing product certifications will be given a grace period of up to 2 years or up to their next renewal to comply with the revised criteria.
Fees & Payment

When can I receive my Singapore Green Label certificate?

The Singapore Green Label certificate is only issued when payment is received by the SGLS Secretariat. Please allow for up to 3 working days for the certificate to be mailed to you after payment is received and upon approval.

What are the fees and how long is the certificate valid for?

Certificate is valid for 2 years. Please refer to the section on licensing fees for more details.

When do I make payment for my Singapore Green Label application?

Payment is to be made only after you receive an invoice from the SGLS Secretariat. Please do not make any payment before the receipt of the invoice.
Application Procedure

What is meant by 'Product Brand Name' and 'Model'?

‘Product Brand Name’ refers to the distinct name given to identify the product you are certifying under the SGLS. ‘Model’ refers to the code you assign to a specific type of your product which you are certifying under the SGLS.
Example:
DULUX LIGHT & SPACE Paint
The brand name is Dulux and the model would be LIGHT & SPACE

I encountered problems filling up the online application form. What should I do?

You may want to check that all fields with (*) are filled.
If you still encounter problems, please contact the SGLS Secretariat at 6337 6062 for assistance.

What happens if an application is submitted with a request for rapid/express processing without a complete set of documentation?

It is the responsibility of the client(s) to furnish a complete set of documents to support their Singapore Green Label certification. Processing of documents for certification will commence when the SGLS Secretariat receives the first set of documents. Approval of application can only be issued after receipt of all supporting documents which had been successfully assessed to meet the criteria.

SEC will raise invoice upon commencement of work when application is received with first set of supporting documents.

I would like to apply for a Singapore Green Label certification. However, my product does not seem to be eligible to be certified under any of the SGLS product categories listed on the website. What can I do?

You may contact the SGLS Secretariat for advice on the product category. We will assess the suitability of the product to be certified under SGLS. All products have to meet the specific criteria in order to be certified.

From time to time, we may launch new product categories provided there are sufficient industry demand and the feasibility of such criteria in the market.

Is it necessary to fill in the Brand, Description and Model in the SGLS application form?

The SGLS Secretariat would require these fields to be filled in to facilitate the smooth processing of your Singapore Green Label product certification.

I believe that my product fits into one or more of the SGLS product categories. Which criteria should I follow?

Please contact the SGLS Secretariat to help advise you on the most appropriate product category.

How long will the SGLS application process take?

Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks from the moment the SGLS Secretariat receives the application form with a complete set of supporting documents.

The SGLS Secretariat offers optional services which come at an extra cost:
- Express processing: ~3 working days
- Rapid processing: ~7 working days

Your application would be processed upon the receipt of all supporting documentation. Applications with incomplete supporting documents will NOT be approved.

What happens if my supporitng documents is not in English?

All submitted documents should be in English.
In the situation whereby the original document is not in English, it should be translated and provided with the original document
Testing of Product

Does the SGLS Secretariat test products?

No, we do not test products. We only accept test reports from nationally accredited, third party test laboratories. In the case of Singapore, we accept test reports from third party SINGLAS accredited laboratories.

Please visit here (https://www.sac-accreditations.gov.sg/cab/acab/Pages/ACTL-Overview.aspx?f=ALL&a=ALL) for the full list of SINGLAS accredited test labs.

Does the SGLS Secretariat bear the cost of testing of the products in the laboratory?

The SGLS Secretariat does not bear the cost of testing of products. The cost is to be borne by the company applying for Singapore Green Label product certification.

Does the SGLS Secretariat accept in-house test reports?

The SGLS Secretariat accepts test reports only from nationally accredited, third party test laboratories. In the case of Singapore, it is SINGLAS accredited test labs.

Will I have to send my product for re-testing every 2 years since I renew my certificate on a bi-annual basis?

Re-testing every 2 years is not required as the SGLS Secretariat accept validity of test reports of up to 5 years from the date of the report provided the validity period covers the certified period. Do send your products for re-testing after 5 years.

Testing will be required when there is a revision of criteria for that product category or when the test report is no longer valid or when it is requested by the Secretariat.

Can I use test reports from overseas for the Singapore Green Label application?

Yes, we will be able to accept test reports from overseas, provided the testing is in accordance with our requirements and done so by a nationally accredited third-party test laboratory in their respective countries.

You might want to refer to International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation for Testing, Calibration and Inspection (URL: http://ilac.org/) for a list of internationally accredited test labs.

The SGLS Secretariat has revised some of the SGLS product categories recently. For my new application, I had tested for the product under the old criteria. Will I have to conform to the new criteria and send my products for additional testing?

All new product applications will have to conform to the new criteria and send for additional product testing if required. Existing product certifications will be afforded a two-year period for adjustment (up to next renewal) to conform to the revised product category.

I have 200 products under the same series with the same composition. There are only slight variations in the designs and colours of the products. Can I certify the whole series under a single SGLS certification?

We are unable to certify the whole series in a single Singapore Green Label certification to ensure transparency, credibility and the reliability of the SGLS. Please contact us for further assessment of your product series.
General Information about the Singapore Green Label

Is the Singapore Green Label recognised internationally?

Yes, the Singapore Green Label is recognized internationally. The SGLS Secretariat has certified over 3,300 products in more than 26 countries. SEC is also UNEP-accredited and a member under the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), which further boosts its recognition on the international stage. Tapping onto the GEN network, the following green building schemes also recognizes GEN ecolabels – BCA Green Mark Scheme, Malaysia Green Building Index, Vietnam Lotus and Hong Kong Beam Plus.

Does SGLS certify the company or the products?

The SGLS only certifies products. The SGLS does not certify the companies who own the products. To eco-certify a company, applicants can refer to the Eco-Office Plus Certification, which is one of the three Eco-Certifications that SEC has.

What do you define as a 'green' product? Does the Singapore Green Label Logo certify that my product is 'Green'?

The SGLS Secretariat recognises green products based on a life cycle assessment approach. The life cycle assessment approach takes into account the environmental impacts associated with all stages of the product’s life, from raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, packaging, usage and end-of-life management.

The Singapore Green Label is a Type 1 Ecolabel, which is an ecolabel that is life cycle-based and that are verified by a third party. It addresses the main environmental impacts of a given product and places limits for compliancy in order to reduce these impacts. In order to certify a product under the SGLS, a product must be placed under one of the SGLS product categories and meet ALL the requirements for the specified product category. Hence, the SGLS Secretariat does not certify products based on their energy efficiency or any other single environment benefits alone. The overall aspects of a product which include raw material composition, manufacturing process, health impacts and product disposal are considered.

Is it compulsory that I attain the Singapore Green Label for my products in Singapore?

The Singapore Green Label is a voluntary scheme. The Singapore Green Label is a great asset and marketing tool for products. Singapore Green Label certified products are more environmentally conscious as it takes into account the manufacturer’s energy and water consumption, raw material storage, waste management, end-of-life take-back (where possible) amongst other factors, which means the product has been manufactured with the environment in mind, incorporating circularity model as much as possible, delineating from the linear economy model of take-make-dispose. Furthermore, many development projects in Singapore now require products be Green Label certified in order to gain endorsement under the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Scheme.

For consumer products such as detergents, floor cleaners and hand soaps, obtaining green labels allows you to gain an edge over your competitors in an eco-conscious era.

What is the difference between the SGLS and the Singapore Green Mark scheme?

The SGLS is administered by the Singapore Environment Council, which certifies green products. The Singapore Green Mark scheme is administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and certifies green buildings.

The BCA recognises the Singapore Green Label and awards points to Green Label certified products. These points contribute towards the building attaining Green Mark certification.

I have already obtained a green label from overseas; can it be used to certify my products under the SGLS?

At present, the SGLS Secretariat only have a Mutual Recognition agreement (MRA) with Japan Eco-Mark for photocopiers and printers.

For other product categories, you would need to present ALL necessary supporting documents as stated in the assessment criteria of the relevant product. Contact us to find out more about the criteria.

How do I check whether a product is certified under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS)?

All Singapore Green Label products can be found under the directory at https://www.sgls.sec.org.sg/sgl-directory.php. You can search by brand or model name of the product. The name of the company certifying the product will also be reflected in the directory.

How can I feedback if I have any complaints with regard to any SGLS certification services?

If anybody has cause to complain to SEC on the SGLS certification services, the complaint shall be made in writing and addressed to the Head, Environmental Certification or the Executive Director of SEC with the complainant’s contact name and number. The complaint shall be acknowledged by SEC in writing. The complaint will then be independently investigated by SEC and closed on satisfactory conclusion of the investigation. Following closure, SEC will inform the complainant that the investigation has reached its conclusion.

The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme has attained the status of Type 1 Ecolabel according to ISO 14024:2018 Environmental Labels and Declarations – Type 1 Environmental Labelling. What exactly is a Type 1 Ecolabel?

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) defines Type 1 Ecolabels as a voluntary, multiple-criteria based, third party programme that awards a license that authorises the use of environmental labels on products indicating overall environmental preference for a product within a particular product category based on life cycle considerations.

How long is the certificate valid for?

Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Logo Usage

Are there rules governing the usage of the Singapore Green Label?

Yes, the usage of the Singapore Green Label is regulated by the SGLS Logo Guidelines.
In addition, certified products are subjected to the clauses stated in the Singapore Green Label User Agreement. The Singapore Green Label User Agreement will be awarded upon successful approval of the application and receipt of payment.

I have obtained certification for my product under the SGLS. Can I print the Singapore Green Label Logo on my name cards and product brochures?

The Singapore Green Label logo can be used on the product, the product packaging and brochures provided it complies with the SGLS Brand Guidelines. The logo shall not be used on name cards.

Please refer to the brand guidelines for details. You may need to seek approval from the SGLS Secretariat for the usage of the Singapore Green Label logo on other marketing collaterals.
Complaints

What can I do if I want to lodge a complaint on any of the SGLS certification issued by SEC?

If anybody has cause to complain to SEC on the SGLS certification services, the complaint shall be made in writing and addressed to the Head, Environmental Certification or the Executive Director of SEC with the complainant’s contact name and number. The complaint shall be acknowledged by SEC in writing following receipt. The complaint will then be independently investigated by SEC and closed on satisfactory conclusion of the investigation. Following closure, SEC will inform the complainant that the investigation has reached its conclusion
Appeal

In the event that my application is rejected, what can I do if I want to appeal against this decision?

The client or applicant has the right to appeal any of the certification decisions (e.g. new application, renewal, suspension, withdrawal, etc.) made by SEC. Appeal must be made by the Client in writing to Head, Environmental Certification of SEC within 14 days from the date of certification decision. Any decision of SEC shall remain in force until the outcome of the appeal. The decision of the SEC shall be final and binding on both the client and SEC. Once the decision regarding an appeal has been made, no counter-claim by either party can be made to amend or change this decision. In instances where the appeal has been successful, no monetary claims can be made against SEC for reimbursement of costs or any other losses incurred.
Eligibility / Refusal of Application

Would my products be eligible for applicaiton?

Application for certification would be refused under the following circumstances:

1) When there are no criteria , 2) When any non-compliance to the criteria
Expired / Fake Labels

What happens if i spot a products that is currently not certified displaying the Singapore Green Label logo or proclaiming they are certified under the Singapore Green Label??

If a license is revoked or expired, the company must cease use of any ecolabeling claims, logos or references on their materials.

Consumers may check the SGLS directory or email SEC to check the validity of ecolabels. Consumers can also alert SEC should if they suspect that a label is fake or misleading and SEC will take the necessary actions.