I need to change an eco-label certification, and I require corporate legal advisory regarding the procedure.

When a company that has received eco-label certification changes its raw materials or components, or changes its production process or equipment, or changes its brand name, it can obtain approval for a change to the eco-label certification after verification.

The certified company must report to the President of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute, attaching the documents below, within 30 days from the date on which the ground for the change to the product arose.

Required documents

▶ A request form for approval of a change to the eco-label certification details

▶ The relevant supporting documents

This procedure is also possible through an online application system called the Environmental Technology and Industry One-Stop Service.

However, in order to precisely review the specific grounds for the change, it is advisable to verify them through corporate legal advisory, so this point requires attention.

If you do not go through this change application procedure and are caught using the eco-label without authorization, you may bear both administrative dispositions, such as corrective orders and accusations, and criminal liability.

In particular, the President of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute may conduct its own investigation to ensure the validity of the eco-label.

If it is subsequently confirmed that you used the eco-label without authorization and did not remove it, you may be subject to imprisonment of not more than two years or a fine of not more than 20 million won.

Therefore, in order to prevent this in advance, it is advisable to verify the matter beforehand through corporate legal advisory.