EPD International and SuMPO Sign Mutual Recognition Agreement to Advance Global Harmonisation of Environmental Product Declarations

EPD International and the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO) have entered into a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), advancing the harmonisation of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) programmes between Europe and Japan. The agreement strengthens collaboration between two of the world's longest-established EPD programme operators and supports the shared ambition of improving the global exchange of reliable and transparent environmental product information.

As a result of the MRA, EPD International and SuMPO will be able to mutually recognise and use Product Category Rules (PCRs) developed within their respective programmes. Previously, these rules were developed and managed independently. The agreement will help streamline PCR development, improve alignment across product categories, and facilitate greater consistency in environmental data reporting across international markets.

Strengthening Global Comparability of Environmental Data

EPDs are increasingly recognised worldwide as a trusted tool for communicating product environmental performance. Built on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and independently verified by third parties, EPDs provide transparent, standardised information that supports informed decision-making throughout value chains. 

As demand for product sustainability data continues to grow, ensuring consistency and comparability between environmental declarations has become increasingly important. Through this collaboration, EPD International and SuMPO aim to further align rules and methodologies, reinforcing the role of EPDs as a foundation for the global exchange of environmental information. 

Broad Scope Across Product Sectors

The agreement covers a wide range of product sectors where both programmes have significant experience, including: 

• Electrical and electronic products 

• Chemicals 

• Automotive products 

• Textiles and apparel 

• Agricultural products 

• Food and beverages 

• Packaging materials 

• Batteries 

• Equipment and machinery

Through mutual use and joint development of PCRs, the two organisations will work towards greater international harmonisation across these sectors. The construction sector is currently outside the scope of the agreement. 

Building on a Strong Partnership

The MRA follows several years of close cooperation between the two organisations. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2023, EPD International and SuMPO engaged in extensive discussions and technical reviews to assess the compatibility of their programme operations and requirements. 

These efforts confirmed a high degree of alignment between the two EPD systems and laid the foundation for the agreement, which was finalised in Stockholm in May 2026.

— SuMPO EPD —

SuMPO EPD is an EPD programme that originated from a project established by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2000 and was launched in 2002 as the EcoLeaf environmental label. Based on ISO 14025, it provides a framework for third-party verified disclosure of life cycle environmental information for products, primarily from Japanese manufacturers. Following the transfer of operations to the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO) in 2019, the program has been operated as SuMPO EPD. It covers a wide range of product sectors, including electrical and electronic products, materials, construction, food and agriculture, and textiles and apparel, and is the only EPD program originating from Japan, operated in alignment with international programs.