top of page

EPD Hub Help center

PCR and cPCR supported by EPD Hub

Part I

​

CEN TC PCRs

Where applicable, Product Category Rules developed under CEN Technical Committees (CEN/TC PCRs) shall be considered mandatory for use in EPDs developed under EPD Hub. The current list of CEN/TC PCRs can be found in EPD Hub PCR 1.2.1, Annex I.

​

Usage of cPCRs from other Program Operators

Introduction

As an international programme operator, EPD Hub recognises that Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are required to meet different regional and regulatory needs worldwide. EPD Hub aims to adapt to these needs while maintaining the highest level of data quality, consistency, and integrity.

When a specific regulation requires an external Product Category Rule (PCR) to be used for developing EPDs in a certain context—such as public procurement—this PCR may, after official review and approval, be used to publish EPDs within the EPD Hub registry.

An external PCR refers to a PCR that has not been natively published or adopted by EPD Hub. It can only be used to publish EPDs under specific conditions. To request the approval of an external PCR for publishing EPDs in EPD Hub, please review the procedures and conditions outlined below.

Note: "Regulations" in this context refer to legally mandated requirements at any level, including subnational, national, or international frameworks. Market requirements expressed by an industry or trade association are not considered regulations here; an external PCR requested solely by market demand may instead be considered for formal adoption into the EPD Hub framework.

​

Procedure and Conditions for Using an External PCR

​

Step 1: Submission of Request

To request an external PCR to be used within the EPD Hub system, the formal PCR document must be submitted to EPD Hub via support@epdhub.com along with:

​

  • Proof that the PCR is explicitly required by regulations and can be used in EPD Hub without a mutual recognition agreement (MRA)¹; and

  • A detailed description of the context in which it is required (e.g., the intended procurement use or regional jurisdiction of the EPDs).

 

This request may be submitted by a prospective EPD Owner (typically a manufacturer) or an LCA Consultant acting on behalf of an EPD Owner.

¹ If the PCR requires an MRA to be used (e.g., due to copyright restrictions), you must contact EPD Hub to explore options for establishing an MRA with the owner/operator of that PCR.

​

Step 2: Evaluation and Approval

EPD Hub will review the external PCR and the submitted proof. The review process ensures that:

​

  • The external PCR fully aligns with ISO 14025.

  • The external PCR is legally mandated according to the cited regulation.

  • The external PCR can be utilized in EPD Hub without IP conflicts or an outstanding MRA.

  • The external PCR is currently valid and has not expired.

​

Step 3: Verification and Publication

Once the external PCR has been formally approved for use, EPDs developed according to it can be verified and published by EPD Hub. This process follows the standard framework outlined in the EPD Hub General Programme Instructions (GPI), subject to the following clarifications, conditions, and exceptions:

​

  1. Verification Pathway: Verification must be conducted through EPD Hub's verification system  by an appointed independent verifier approved by EPD Hub.

  2. Mandatory Disclosure Statement: The published EPD must include a clear statement specifying the use of the approved external PCR and the specific regulation under which its use is mandatory.

    • Note on Construction Products: If it is an EPD for a construction product, the statement must clarify which international standard the EPD complies with (e.g., ISO 21930). EPDs published under an approved external PCR cannot claim automatic compliance with the standard EPD Hub Core PCR (or EN 15804 via EPD Hub) unless they explicitly fulfill all corresponding native criteria and ECO Platform digital data requirements.

  3. Platform Integration & Automation: Because EPD Hub relies heavily on standardized digital data configurations, EPDs verified according to an external PCR may not fully support standard automated generation pathways (e.g., direct automated One Click LCA generator workflows). They may require manual data processing or custom verification setups unless an exceptional arrangement is approved by EPD Hub.

  4. Pre-verified Tools: An approved external PCR may be used as the basis for a pre-verified or automated calculation tool, subject to the tool-verification requirements outlined in the GPI.

  5. Complementary PCRs (c-PCR / Part B): If the approved external PCR is a sub-category PCR (c-PCR) or a Part B PCR, it must be used strictly alongside the primary main PCR / Part A PCR referenced within its own framework, and cannot be combined with the other PCR without prior approval.

​

​

​

Part II

​

Recognised external programme operators 

EPD Hub accepts PCRs developed under other established programme operators, including:

  • NSF International (USA)

  • UL Solutions

​

NSF International

NSF PCRs are considered acceptable references for EPD development where applicable and aligned with the product category scope.

​

UL Solutions

UL Solutions PCRs and sub-category PCRs (sPCRs) may be used where relevant; however, it should be noted that these documents are typically not publicly available and may require purchase or licensed access.

EPD Hub reserves the right to assess the suitability and consistency of externally developed PCRs or cPCRs during the verification and publication process.

​

 

​

Part III

​

Development of Guidance Documents

EPD Hub is also preparing supplementary guidance documents intended to support the interpretation and application of selected product category rules within specific sectors.

The current development plan for 2026 includes guidance related to the following product categories:

  • Furniture

  • Curtain walling

  • Electrical cables and wires for the construction sector

  • Flat glass products

  • Substantial materials for air ducts

  • Acoustical wall and ceiling solutions

  • Railway infrastructure

  • Guardrails and bridge parapets

  • Ventilation components

  • Photovoltaic modules and parts thereof

  • PV components, including inverters and battery energy storage systems

  • Lifts (elevators)

  • Technical-chemical products for the construction sector

  • Rehabilitation of highways, streets, and roads

  • Abrasive products

The scope, timeline, and prioritisation of these guidance documents may be updated based on sector developments, stakeholder engagement, and the availability of relevant PCR or cPCR frameworks.

bottom of page