Glossary of International Organic/Ecolabel logos and Seals

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic is the USA official national organic seal for products grown using organic agricultural practices. It is managed by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and is accepted globally.

Soil Association Organic is a British organic seal for products grown using organic agricultural standards. The seal is issued by the Soil Association, is accredited by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and is accepted globally. The seal has equivalency with the EU Organic standards.

National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) Certified Organic is an Australian organic seal for products grown using organic agricultural standards and is issued by NASAA. There are two sets of requirements: one for domestic products and one for international products. The seal is accepted globally.

The Global Organic Mark (GOM), also known as Organic IFOAM, is an internationally accepted organic seal for products grown using organic agricultural standards. The seal is issued by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

The EU Organic seal is the official European organic farming seal and is managed by the European Commission. It applies to products grown in EU member countries using organic agricultural practices.

The Demeter seal is issued by Demeter International and certifies food, cosmetic, and textile products that are grown in accordance with biodynamic practices and principles.

The Japanese Agricultural Organic Standard (JAS) is Japan’s official national organic seal for products grown using organic agricultural standards. It is managed by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and is a globally accepted seal. Jas has equivalency with the EU Organic standards and the NOP’s USDA Organic label.

The Istituto Certificazione Etica e Ambientale (ICEA) is an Italian group of ecolabels that covers a wide range of industries such as agricultural products & food, cosmetics, household cleaning products, textiles, building materials and wine. ICEA certifies environmentally friendly consumer products and products grown using organic agricultural standards. The seals are accepted across Europe.

Natureplus-Quality Seal is an ecolabel for building products with a focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing standards issued by the International Association for future-oriented building and accommodation (natureplus e.V.).The seal is accepted globally.

Naturland is an organic ecolabel seal with a focus on fair labor, ethical trading principles, organic agriculture, environmentally-friendly practices and responsible forestry. Naturland also certifies wild fish, fair trade products (if they are certified organic first) and organic aquaculture products. Naturland is International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) accredited and is accepted globally.

Naturtextil IVN certified BEST is an ecolabel for textiles with a focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. The seal is issued by the International Association of Natural Textile Industry (IVN) and is accepted globally.

Pure natural leather: Naturleder IVN certified is an eco-label for leather goods with a focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. The seal is issued by the International Association of Natural Textile Industry (IVN) and is accepted globally.

Windmade Product Label is an eco-label for products made using at least 75% renewable energy with wind power being the majority source during the entire manufacturing process from raw material collection to packaging.

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Product Label is a fair trade seal issued by the WFTO. The program works with producers worldwide to ensure fair labor standards and promote environmentally friendly production. The seal is accepted globally.

Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is a seal and program for textiles with a focus on ethical trading, fair labor and environmentally friendly practices. The seal is accepted globally.

The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a globally accepted ecolabel for textiles manufactured without harsh or toxic chemicals.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100Plus is a globally accepted ecolabel for textiles manufactured without harsh or toxic chemicals and using environmentally friendly and ethically sound manufacturing practices.

The Oregon Tilth Certified Organic seal is an organic certification for products grown using organic agricultural standards. The seal complies with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards and is accepted globally.

The Organic 100 Content Standard (OCS) seal, which has replaced the Certified to Organic Exchange (OE) 100 seal is an organic textile seal for textiles/ fibres issued from 100% organic agriculture. The seal is issued by the Textile Exchange (formerly the Organic Exchange) and is accepted globally.

The Certified Wildlife Friendly® seal, issued by the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN), is a global scheme for agriculture products produced following the principles of wildlife stewardship in that they contribute to the conservation of native species.

The Forest Garden Products (FGP) seal is issued by the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN, RIFA) and is for products grown around the world using Analog Forestry. Analog Forestry works to conserve biodiversity by ensuring a focus on mimicking natural forests, ecological succession and landscape ecology.

Friend of the Earth is a certification scheme for sustainable farming and agricultural products. This global scheme follows guidelines from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA’s) and is based on protection of the environment through resource optimization, energy efficiency, corporate social responsibility, environmental preservation, and integrated pest management.

Friend of the Sea is both a certification scheme for sustainable fisheries and agriculture that conserve marine habitats. The Friend of the Sea seal certifies both farmed and wild-caught fish and seafood. This global scheme follows guidelines from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as well as their own certification standards.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international seal and certifying body for textiles whose materials were grown using organic agricultural practices and whose processing meets environmental and social criteria. GOTS is comprised of four reputed member organisations, namely OTA (USA), IVN (Germany), Soil Association (UK) and JOCA (Japan).

The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) was developed by the Textile Exchange for global textile products made with recycled content. The GRS seal ensures traceability as well as the use of ethical trading and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is a seal and certifying body for garments manufactured in alignment with the FWF Code of Labour Practices which provides a framework for improved labor conditions. The FWF Code of Labour Practices is derived from both the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN’s Declaration on Human Rights. The seal is accepted globally.

The FAIRTRADE Mark is a global seal issued by Fairtrade International (FLO) and certified by FLO-CERT for food items, flowers, cotton, gold and sports balls with a focus on ethical trading principles and sustainable farming. FLO is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

Fairtrade Max Havelaar is a seal and certifying body for food items, cotton and sports balls with a focus on ethical trading principles and sustainable farming. While the organization is based in Switzerland the seal is accepted globally and Fairtrade Max Havelaar is a member of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).

The FairWild seal, used globally for wild-collected plants, is issued by the FairWild Foundation and promotes ethical trading principals as well as the sustainable collection and use of wild plants.

GLOBALG.A.P. (Global Good Agricultural Practices) is a global seal and managing organization that certifies crops, livestock, and aquaculture that meet certain criteria in the areas of food safety, the environment and workers’ welfare. The seal, which is also know as the Integrated Farm Assurance Standard (IFA), incorporates many modules: the GLOBALG.A.P. Crops Module, the GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture Standard, the GLOBALG.A.P. Livestock Module, the GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody Standard (CoC), the GLOBALG.A.P. Plant Propagation Material Standard (PPM), and the GLOBALG.A.P. Compound Feed Manufacturing Standard (CFM). GLOBALG.A.P. also offers additional certifications as add-ons: GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment On Social Practice (GRASP) and GLOBALG.A.P. Animal Welfare.

Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance (FairTSA) is a seal and certifying body for food items, handicrafts and cosmetics with a focus on ethical trading principles and sustainable farming. While the organization is based in the USA the seal is accepted globally.

The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal is a globally accepted ecolabel for a wide range of consumer and industrial products. The seal is issued by the Rainforest Alliance and its holders demonstrate a commitment to tropical forest conservation, wildlife preservation and biodiversity protection. The Rainforest Alliance is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) was developed by the Textile Exchange for global textile products made with recycled content to ensure traceability and provide documentation for the amount of recycled material in the final product.

The globally accepted Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is an ecolabel and certifying body that certifies precious and semi-precious metals and stones along all steps of the supply chain in order to demonstrate environmental responsibility, a commitment to conservation and fair labor practices. The RJC is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

The globally accepted Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) is an ecolabel and certifying body that certifies soy, soy derivatives and soy products along with all steps of the supply chain in order to demonstrate environmental responsibility, a commitment to conservation and fair labor practices.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certified is a globally accepted ecolabel issued by the SFI for forestry industry products and forestry derived products which demonstrate principles of sustainable forestry management, biodiversity protection and wildlife & resource conservation. There are three types of certification: SFI Certified Chain of Custody Label, SFI At Least X% Certified Chain of Custody Label and SFI Certified Sourcing Label.

Replacing the OEKO-TEX 100, Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) is a globally accepted ecolabel for textiles manufactured without harsh or toxic chemicals and using environmentally friendly and ethical manufacturing practices.

TCO Certified is a globally accepted Swedish ecolabel for IT & computer-related consumer and industrial products. The seal is issued by TCO International and meets ISO 14001 Type I environmental standards.

The globally accepted Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is an ecolabel and certifying body that certifies the use of biomass and biomaterials in the industry in order to demonstrate environmental responsibility, a commitment to conservation and fair labor practices. The RSB is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

The globally accepted Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an ecolabel and certifying body for palm oil. The seal applies to all steps of the production supply chain and demonstrates environmental responsibility, a commitment to conservation and fair labor standards.

UTZ Certified is a certifying body and seal for tea, coffee and cocoa products with a focus on ethical trading principles and sustainable farming. Further, UTZ Certified products are traceable throughout the entire supply chain. UTZ Certified is accepted globally and is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

Label STEP is a certifying body and seal for fair trade carpets that works with carpet makers worldwide to ensure fair labor standards and promote environmentally friendly production. The seal is accepted globally.

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Certified is a globally accepted ecolabel issued by the PEFC for forestry industry products and forestry derived products which demonstrate principles of sustainable forestry management, biodiversity protection and wildlife & resource conservation. There are three types of certifications: PEFC Certified, PEFC Certified and Recycled and PEFC Promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).

The Nordic Swan is the official pan-Nordic ecolabel for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products in the five Nordic Countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland). The seal is issued by the Nordic Council of Ministers and is accepted across Europe. Nordic Swan is a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).

Marque NF Environnement is a French ecolabel issued by AFNOR Groupe for a wide range of consumer products. It is accepted across Europe and complies with EU environmental standards.

True Friends of Natural and Organic Cosmetics (NATRUE) Label is a safety and sustainability ecolabel for cosmetic and personal care products issued by the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (also NATRUE). There are three levels of certification: 1) Natural Cosmetics- no tolerance of toxic or harmful ingredients, 2) Natural Cosmetics with Organic Portion- at least 70% of the ingredients must be organic or wild and 3) Organic Cosmetics- 100% of the ingredients must be organic. The seal is accepted globally.

Certified Sustainable Seafood is a globally accepted ecolabel for seafood and seafood products. The seal, issued by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), ensures that seafood originates from a sustainable fishery and has a verified chain-of-custody. The MSC is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

MADE-BY is a textile ecolabel and program with a focus on fair labor standards and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices for the apparel industry. It is accepted across Europe.

The GoodWeave seal, issued by the global organization GoodWeave International (GWI), certifies that a rug is produced without child labor, using ethical trading principles and sustainable practices. The GoodWeave is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

Fair for Life is the issuing body for is a seal and certifying body for both food and non-food products with a focus on ethical trading principals and sustainable farming. The certification covers the entire chain of custody and is accepted globally. The Fair for Life Social & Fair Trade Programme consists of two options: Fair for Life – Social & Fair Trade Certification and For Life – Social Responsibility Certification.

The EU Ecolabel is the official European ecolabel managed by the European Commission. The seal applies to a wide range of European consumer and industrial products and is a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).

The Dolphin Safe seal, which is issued by The Earth Island Institute, is a global certification for tuna ensuring that it has been caught without the use of drift grill nets and without harm to dolphin populations.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) member seal is a global ecolabel for products and ingredients sourced according to biodiversity conservation principles and sustainable local trade practices.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is a seal and certifying body for is a global sustainable seafood, focused on both minimizing the environmental impact as well as improving the social conditions pertaining to aquaculture. ASC is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

The Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) seal is issued by the Global Aquaculture Alliance and is a certification scheme for the global aquaculture industry including farms, hatcheries, and processing plants. BAP sets standards for social responsibility, animal welfare, food safety and traceability.

The Bonsucro Better Sugar Cane Initiative (BSI) is a seal and certifying body that provides global standards to reduce the impact of sugar cane production on the environment and also to set improve the social and economic welfare of sugarcane farmers. Bonsucro offers two certifications: Bonsucro Production Standard and a Chain of Custody Standard. The BSI is a member of the ISEAL Alliance.

The Canada Organic seal, also known as Biologique Canada, is Canada’s official national organic seal which is issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and is for products grown using organic agricultural practices.

The COSMOS-standard was developed by AISBL (a joint consortium made up of Soil Association, ICEA, Ecocert, BDIH and Cosmebio) for beauty and personal care products made with ingredients gown using organic agricultural standards and use environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. At least 95% of the ingredients must be naturally derived and at least 95% of the plant ingredients must be organic.

Cotton Made in Africa (CMiA), which is an initiative through the Aid by Trade Foundation, certifies cotton products which are grown in Africa and that focus on ethical trading principles and sustainable farming.

The Cradle to Cradle seal, issued by the international organization The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, signifies that a product meets the seal’s criteria in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. This ecolabel covers a wide range of products in both the consumer and industrial arena. Ekowarehouse accepts the silver, gold, and platinum levels of the C2C seal.