Compliance with TCO Certified is independently verified by approved verification organizations, both before and after a certificate is issued.
Before certification, product models and supply chain conditions are reviewed to ensure that all criteria are met. Verification includes product testing, audits of manufacturing conditions and document review. All criteria are mandatory, and there are no exceptions.
After certification, compliance is continuously monitored throughout the certificate’s validity period. Products and factories are followed up with spot checks based on risk assessments, and a selection of products is re-tested each year.
If non-compliance is identified, corrective actions must be taken within a set timeframe. Failure to address issues can lead to consequences such as withdrawal of certificates or loss of the right to manufacture certified products.