SYSTEM for LONGTIME® CERTIFICATION and Transparency
This page brings together the public information and documents enabling you to understand and to check the operation of the LONGTIME® programme: environmental foundation, development of criteria, independent assessment, governance, award criteria and monitoring of certified products.
L’eCOLABEL LONGTIME®, l’allégation environnementale de la durabilité
LONGTIME® is an environmental label focused on product durability, based on an environmental labelling scheme.
It was developed in accordance with the principles of the ISO 14020 series of standards, particularly ISO 14024.
By featuring the environmental explicit claim “Designed to last” and thanks to its intuitive logo, the LONGTIME® label enables manufacturers to communicate about the environmental of their products, and more specifically on their sustainability.
The environmental claim relates to the entire product and is based on the verification, carried out using a public framework comprising 38 criteria, of its sustainability in terms of in particular its reliability, in terms of its robustness and in terms of its repairability.
In addition to the criteria directly related to sustainability, the LONGTIME® label also checks also the following aspects in order to take into account the main phases of the life cycle of the product:
- Criterion 35: Protection of health, of safety and of the environment;
- Criterion 36: Energy performance;
- Criterion 37: Management of the end-of-life of the equipment;
- Criterion 38: Management of packaging.
Why study the sustainability of a product?
Product durability is a key lever for preventing waste, promoting responsible resource use and reducing the environmental impact of consumer products and equipment.
Several studies conducted at national and European levels highlight that extending product lifetimes is a major environmental priority with the potential to significantly reduce their impacts across the entire life cycle.
ADEME’s studies on ‘Extending the lifespan of products ’ ’ and ‘Modelling and assessment of environmental impacts of products for consumer and capital goods ’ highlight in particular the benefits of extending the lifespan of products to reduce or mitigate the environmental impacts over their lifetime a23>life span to reduce or mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the manufacture of products.
To encourage responsible consumption, promoting the repair and maintenance of products and combating planned obsolescence are just as much as levers enabling the preservation of resources and the reduce the environmental impacts associated with our consumption patterns.
Find all the products certified in the directory of products LONGTIME® or view the complete history of certifications in the public LONGTIME® .
By extending the useful life of products, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the natural resources, to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases a16> to greenhouse gas emissions and to save energy.
The LONGTIME® certification system
The LONGTIME® certification system constitutes the reference document which describes the operation of the programme and the rules governing the award, the maintenance and use of the label.
It sets out, in particular, the programme’s organisation and governance, how standards are developed and revised, the allocation of responsibilities among the various stakeholders, the assessment and decision-making procedures, and the rules governing the monitoring of certified products, complaints, appeals and use of the label.
Its publication enables any party with an interest (manufacturer, consumer, distributor organisation responsible for monitoring, federation, government, institution, association or expert) who is involved who is involved, according to which rules and on the basis of which requirements.
A public framework, well-documented and verifiable to ensure the consistency, integrity and transparency of the programme LONGTIME®.
Transparency is not something that is demanded, it is demonstrated.
How are the criteria for the label determined?
The 38 criteria of the V2 LONGTIME® framework as well as the sector-specific guidelines are drawn up by the experts from the company specialising in extending the lifespan of society Ethikis. The cross-checking and analysis of all the information collected should enable an understanding as detailed as possible of issues relating to sustainability associated with each product. By identifying the standards and the best practices in the market (BAT), the teams at Ethikis define specific specific criteria and some stringent thresholds.
The drafting and development of the framework basis has been systematically the subject of an open consultation involving all of the stakeholders: manufacturers, consumer organisations, repairers, environmental organisations, etc.
This process has once again been implemented for the publication of the V2 of the LONGTIME® standard.
The framework LONGTIME® is structured around the standards of the European Union such as the the standards EN 45552, EN 45554 and EN 14024. The various criteria and their methods of testing require as much as possible the methodological standards for measuring the fitness for purpose of electrical products and/or the standards for safety.
In order to define the levels of requirements specific to each product family, the technical experts of the LONGTIME® label rely, as far as possible, on a network of specialists to enhance their knowledge. The drafting process for the sector-specific LONGTIME® standards therefore follows a defined sequence aligned with the principles of MEErP (Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products).
During its various phases, all of the stakeholders are consulted via a series of interviews (surveys, surveys, face-to-face or telephone meetings). Amongst these specialists, we consult in particular:
- The producers
- The distributors
- Trade federations
- The repairers
- Professional users
- Professionals in spare parts for
- Consumer organisations
- End users end users
Over time, the teams at the LONGTIME® label have developed some partnerships based on trust with a number of organisations specialising in in order to to make the collection of data more smooth and more robust.
At the same time, a literature and regulatory review is carried out in order to to gather and to cross-reference as much information as possible.
In order to ensure an optimal standard, all of the guidelines have been reviewed on average every three years and at the latest within five years as specified in the guidelines a16> 5 years as specified in the general terms and conditions for certification. Following the completion of this review, the criteria or the standard of requirements of the criteria are likely to change. In the event of technological developments, regulatory or a significant discovery in the field of sustainability, the revision of frameworks may take place without waiting for the date of revision. To find out more, visit the page ” Process for drafting the LONGTIME® guidelines”
History of revisions to the LONGTIME® standard
The cross-sector LONGTIME® standard is reviewed every three years on average, and at least every five years, in accordance with the general terms and conditions of certification. A review may also be initiated immediately in response to technological or regulatory developments, or significant scientific findings.
| Version | Publication | Principales évolutions | Statut |
|---|---|---|---|
| V2.1 | June 2026 | Greater clarity in the reliability criteria and the hierarchy of evidence methods. Alignment with regulatory developments relating to product durability, particularly the ESPR. Stronger life-cycle requirements covering materials, energy use and GHG emissions at production sites, recyclability and end of life. Introduction of a more precise classification of parts, more thorough analysis of failures caused by external factors, and additional criteria to progressively incorporate new topics. | In force · Next revision scheduled for 2030 |
| V2 | February 2024 | A major revision informed by a new round of consultation with experts and consumers. The standard now explicitly sets out all requirements, cross-sector criteria and sector-specific criteria. The repairability criteria are aligned with EN 45554, and the reliability criteria with EN 45552. The life-cycle pillar has also been substantially strengthened to ensure alignment with European requirements, particularly EmpCo, and with the principles of ISO 14024. | Archived |
| V1.6 | March 2023 | Structuring of the standard around a comprehensive methodological framework: formalisation of the label’s objectives and scope, addition of definitions and component nomenclature, stronger requirements for repairability, technical documentation, spare parts availability and after-sales service, and formalisation of the independent assessment and verification system. This version also introduces the first life-cycle criteria. | Archived |
| V1 | January 2019 | Following two years of research and consultation that began in 2017, the first version of the LONGTIME® label criteria was published, establishing the initial requirements for assessing product durability—a first in Europe. Between 2019 and 2023, numerous adjustments strengthened the approach, culminating in the first major overhaul with version V1.6 of the standard. | Archived |
L’ensemble des référentiels sectoriels LONGTIME® applicables par catégorie de produit est consultable sur la page Référentiels. Pour toute question sur l’historique des révisions : contact@ethikis.com.
The requirements of the LONGTIME® label in relation to the legislation currently in force.
LONGTIME® is an international certification scheme. The criteria of the label and their thresholds take into account systematically the legislation in force. In the vast majority of cases, the LONGTIME® label is more stringent than the regulations currently in force.
However, when the regulations appear to be sufficiently stringent or depending on certain specific national characteristics, certain criteria of the label may in exceptional cases be be at the same level as certain regulatory provisions.
We have developed a contextual analysis by geographical area based on all of our criteria in order to verify this principle.
The types of data analysed to certify a product
During the certification audit of the LONGTIME® label, the primary and secondary data must be verified by the auditor.
To ensure the robustness of the environmental claim, the auditor gives priority to the collection of primary data, regarded as more reliable and more credible because they are specific to product or the service in question.
This data must be relevant, accurate and verifiable.
Primary data refers to specific and direct information relating to the environmental impact of a product or a service. This data is derived generally from research, studies or specific analyses.
Secondary data, on the other hand, is some general information or some references to some external sources which are not specific to the product or the service in question.
Data primary
Test results
Product-specific longevity test results and laboratory test results: data on the product’s expected service life, based on resistance, durability and performance testing. Product degradation test results: data on the product’s resistance to various environmental conditions over time. Product-specific performance tests: data on the product’s efficiency, durability, resistance or other specific characteristics.
Environmental data
Data specific on the emissions of greenhouse gases from greenhouse consumption of energy, etc., measured directly energy consumption, etc., energy consumption, etc., measured directly on the product.
Repair and reuse rates
Statistics on the frequency with which the product is repaired or reused by the consumers, if such data is collected by the manufacturer.
Preventive maintenance studies
Données sur les recommandations de maintenance préventive pour prolonger la durée de vie du produit.
Product version history
List of the various versions of the product with information on the improvements made in terms of sustainability.
ISO 9001 quality certification
All data contained in technical and contractual documentation relating to product durability
Functional analysis tool, internal product technical data sheet, design study (ETC) (operation/materials/usage stresses), internal quality and production control reports, product bill of materials, exploded-view drawing, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), terms and conditions of sale and warranty, including those of distributors, distribution agreement, list of subassemblies and spare parts available for purchase, information materials provided to consumers/repairers.
Data secondary
Reports on energy consumption trends
Information on the trends in energy consumption at national or regional level, which are not specific to the product, comparisons by sector of energy efficiency: comparative data
Recommendations from environmental organizations
Statements in general from environmental organisations on the need to reduce the carbon footprint with no direct link to the product.
Reports and statistics on repair and reuse practices
Information on trends in product repair and reuse drawn from government or non-governmental organisation reports. Studies on planned obsolescence: data from studies and reports on planned obsolescence in industry, and analysis of product durability trends. Statistics on the average service life of products in the relevant industry sector.
Recommendations from consumer organizations
General advice on extending the lifespan of the products issued by some organisations of consumers that are well-respected.
Taking account of the usage phase within the scope of the LONGTIME environmental label
The LONGTIME® label applies to a very broad range of manufactured goods. However, most certified products are electrical or electronic products that inevitably generate environmental impacts during the use phase.
The LONGTIME® standard addresses this phase extensively. Several criteria and subcriteria are dedicated to it, particularly the four criteria in the “Life Cycle” chapter. These criteria establish demanding thresholds and practices and assess whether the manufacturer promotes responsible use of its product.
The system for LONGTIME® labelling
The LONGTIME® label is open to all types of business, regardless of its size or of its origin.
The award and use of the LONGTIME® label are based on a certification system involving an independent third-party conformity assessment body. To be eligible for a certification attestation and to use the label,
the candidates must meet all the eligibility criteria.
This includes the validation of all the criteria of the sectoral framework applicable to the products under assessment, based on a ‘pass or fail’ approach. This methodology ensures that the labelled product meets the requirements of the sectoral framework applicable to the assessed products, a27> the certified product meets, in terms of the environmental aspects covered by the claim made by the label, of performance significantly superior to that corresponding to current standard practice for the category of products in question.
In this case, and only in this case, the supervisory body issues a certificate of certification.
The fees and the cost of the procedure for certification have been designed to be incentives and not discriminatory, so as not to exclude small and medium-sized enterprises. The royalties are calculated on the basis of the turnover generated by the or the products bearing the label, in order to ensure a proportionality with the activity in question.
By way of example, more than 70 per cent of our clients are SMEs.
Statement regarding the environmental claim of the LONGTIME® label
Products carrying the LONGTIME® certification label must display the label in accordance with a code for communication. This charter stipulates that the label must use a language suitable for the countries of distribution and complies with in particular certain principles of legibility.
On the reverse side of the label, some additional information helps the consumer to understand the scope of the environmental claim. The label includes also a QR code or a link enabling the redirection of the end user of the product to an information page. This page contains the following information:
- The link to the repository relating to the product,
- Exact name of the model with the label,
- The duration of the warranty for the product,
- The time it takes for spare parts to be available, for spare parts,
- The period of certification,
- The name of the supervisory body,
- The certificate of accreditation bearing the number corresponding to,
- The aspects covered,
- A summary of the assessment with a brief description of the key points on sustainability.
Find the details of the requirements in our certification system document.
The LONGTIME® certification attestation
The label may not be used without a certification attestation.
Under no circumstances may this document be issued by Ethikis ad Civis, the operator of the LONGTIME® certification programme.
The conformity assessment body acts as an independent third party in relation to both the label owner and the applicant company. It is a separate legal entity from Ethikis ad Civis and regularly performs conformity assessment activities. It conducts its assessments and makes certification decisions independently, based on the applicable LONGTIME® standards.
IMPORTANT: Only the audit body responsible for the audit is authorised to issue the certificate.
The attestation authorises the display and use of the LONGTIME® labelling system in accordance with the visual identity guidelines established by the certification scheme.
The certification attestation is always publicly accessible through the brand pages featuring certified products and includes useful transparency information such as:
- The name of the supervisory body;
- The products that have been awarded the label;
- The geographical area within which the products may use the label;
- The period of validity of the certificate;
- The applicable framework for the sector.
Policy on suspension and on withdrawal of the LONGTIME® label
Continued LONGTIME® certification is conditional on compliance with the certification requirements and the rules governing use of the mark.
In the event of non-compliance, the certification scheme provides for graduated measures to protect the label, including a reduction in certification scope, temporary suspension or, in the most serious cases, permanent withdrawal.
The suspension and withdrawal policy sets out the circumstances concerned, the respective responsibilities of the independent conformity assessment body and Ethikis, the procedural steps, the options for appeal and the conditions for reinstatement of the label. It also describes the consequences for the affected products, the associated communications and how the public is informed.
View the policy on suspension and on withdrawal of the LONGTIME® label — PDF
The bodies responsible for inspection APAVE, TÜV Austria and the National Laboratory for metrology and testing (LNE) are the three bodies responsible for inspection authorised to act within the framework of the environmental LONGTIME® labelling scheme. The contact details of the managers are respectively available on the following pages:
COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS AND ETHICS FOR THE LONGTIME® LABEL
The LONGTIME® Label Expert and Ethics Committee (CEEL) helps to strengthen the objectivity, integrity and robustness of the certification programme by establishing a decentralised governance structure.
Comprising of professionals from the industry, from the repair sector, from eco-design, from research, environmental organisations and other stakeholders, it provides an independent and multidisciplinary perspective on the issues requiring additional expertise or additional arbitration .
The CEEL may in particular be consulted on developments in guidance frameworks and the criteria, situations posing a risk to impartiality, certain cases involving complex technical issues, the mechanisms for complaints or for appeals, as well as more broadly on the issues likely to affect the credibility of the programme.
Its members operate within a formal ethical framework that includes obligations concerning confidentiality, disclosure of conflicts of interest and independence of judgement.
Beyond the certification, measuring the changes underway
LONGTIME® aims not only to recognise products that meet a standard, but also to drive lasting improvements in manufacturers’ practices relating to reliability, repairability, ecodesign and the management of regulatory requirements. To objectively assess these effects, we carried out an impact assessment using the Impact Track platform, focusing on the companies supported as part of the LONGTIME® programme.
The aim? To assess to what extent the initiative contributes to bringing about changes in the organisations, the practices of design and the consideration given to sustainability in the decisions within the organisation.
Measurable effects on the businesses supported:
75%
of the companies supported have obtained LONGTIME® certification.
55%
report having significantly strengthened the integration of product durability within their organisation.
Regulatory
the regulatory requirements and the claims relating to the environment
A label that acts as a catalyst for transformation
The impact assessment thus highlights one of the key features of the LONGTIME® label: does not merely identify products designed to last, but contribute to bringing about sustainable change in practices of those who design them and bring bring to the market.
This dynamic helps to enhance the reliability of products, their repairability and, more broadly, the transition towards an economy that is more based on extending the lifespan of products.