Get certified to meet market demand. align with trade policies. acess export markets. streamline operations. build customer loyalty. boost investor appeal.
You’ve been working hard to ensure your products are made sustainably. But how can you assure consumers, procurement teams and exporters that your products or services live up to its claims?
Eco Choice Aotearoa serves as a credible seal of approval in a market clouded by greenwashing.
Find out how independent, third-party certification can set your business apart and give your audience peace of mind.
What is Eco Choice Aotearoa?
Eco Choice Aotearoa is the country’s official ISO-recognised ecolabel for environmentally preferable products and services. It is a not-for-profit, trademarked by the Ministry for the Environment.
The ecolabel is achieved through meeting science-backed criteria, passing onsite audits, and showing proof of continuous improvement.
We take a life-cycle approach to certification, looking at everything from raw material sourcing, to production and disposal or reuse. This means the businesses we work with can ensure their products are safer for people and planet, without compromising on durability and performance.
How to apply for certification?
Applying for certification with Eco Choice Aotearoa is a collaborative process. Here’s how it works:
Start by downloading the Certification Guide. It walks you through the certification process and what you’ll need in order to prepare for your third-party audit.
Our team will get in touch to discuss your product, eligibility, and what standard or approach is right for you. Some products fit easily into our existing standards, while others may need a more tailored approach. We’ll help you figure out the best path forward.
Once you’re ready, you can fill out our application form and prepare for your third-party audit.
Why get certified with Eco Choice Aotearoa?
Certify your building products to qualify for Best Practice points and score higher on Green Star projects.
Position your products as the preferred choice for procurers when competing for contracts.
Our ecolabel is a mark of confidence for conscious shoppers looking for products they can trust.
Our rigorous standards help you stay ahead of regulation and unlock new trade opportunities.
Boost your credibility in export markets through our ‘sister’ ecolabels and recognition by the likes of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Show investors and lenders you’re managing risk, meeting ESG expectations, and building a future-ready business.
Since 1989, Eco Choice Aotearoa has proudly certified thousands of products and services made by New Zealand businesses.
Ready to expand your sustainable leadership?
Download the Certification Guide to get started.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get certified?
It depends. The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your product/service and how prepared you are with supporting documentation. On average, the process takes 6-9 months from initial contact to final licensing. This includes an eligibility review, independent auditing, document submission, and licence approval.
2. How much does certification cost?
Certification costs include:
– Application Fee (one-off)
– Independent Auditor Costs (quoted separately)
– Annual Licence Fee (based on turnover)
For most small to medium businesses, costs range from $1,000–$3,500 per year, plus auditor fees. You can find detailed pricing in our Certification Guide, or use our fee calculator to gain an estimate.
3. Who carries out the auditing?
We partner with Tonkin+Taylor and other independent auditors to conduct independent audits. They assess whether your product meets the environmental and performance criteria outlined in the Eco Choice standards.
4. What happens after my products or services get licensed?
Once certified, you can use the Eco Choice Aotearoa mark on your product packaging, marketing materials, and tender documents. Your licence will be listed in our product and service finder, and we’ll support you with guidelines on how to promote your certification. We also carry out annual reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.