Collaborations with peer EPD programme operators

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

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EPD Hub is committed to advancing the harmonisation, comparability, and international recognition of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). To support this objective, EPD Hub establishes formal collaborations with peer EPD programme operators and other competent organisations through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).

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An MOU represents an initial framework for cooperation, expressing the intention of both parties to explore opportunities for future collaboration.

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An MRA, on the other hand, constitutes a formal agreement whereby both parties mutually recognise each other’s conformity assessment procedures related to Product Category Rules (PCRs) and/or EPDs.

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Within EPD Hub, MRAs may cover: 

• EPD recognition 

• PCR recognition

• Pre-verified tools recognition

• Recognition of approved verifiers

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When an MRA includes PCR conformity, it allows a partnering EPD programme operator to adopt the other party’s PCR(s) within its own programme. Even when an MRA is in place, EPDs from different programmes may not be fully comparable due to programme-specific requirements.