In the work with draft 2, we have updated several criteria. Here’s an overview of some significant changes, focusing on climate, circularity, supply chain responsibility and safer substances.

Proactive work in display panel factories

We go further up the supply chain and require that display panel factories comply with criterion 2.1, supply chain responsibility, obtain ISO standards 14001, 45001 and 50001 and only use cleaners and degreasers that appear on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.

Complete details in: chapter 2 and 3

Stricter requirements on anti-bribery

All brand owners must be fully aligned with ISO 37001, and reach best practice level (green mark) in the annual assessment interview with an independent verifier.

Complete details in: chapter 2

The next step in responsible mineral sourcing

At least 70% of the total number of smelters or refiners that supply minerals for the certified product must be conformant to an accepted due diligence program.

Complete details in: chapter 2

Focus on energy efficiency in display panel factories

All display panel factories must implement an energy management system and be certified to ISO 50001. This is already a requirement for final assembly factories.

Complete details in: chapter 3

Final assembly factories must use renewable electricity

At least 15% of the electricity used in the final assembly of certified products must be procured and/or generated from renewable sources.

Complete details in: chapter 3

Extended warranty periods

Brand owners must offer a product warranty for five years of which at least one year is free of charge. The price for the warranty after the free period must not exceed 15% of the product price, per year.

Complete details in: chapter 6

Improved availability of software updates

Free security and functionality software updates for the operating system must be available throughout the validity period of the TCO Certified certificate and at least five years after the product is no longer placed on the market.

Complete details in: chapter 6

Repairability index for each product model

Tablets smartphones and notebooks are given a repairability index based on how easy they are to disassemble, and the availability of spare parts, repair instructions and software updates.

Complete details in: chapter 6

Products must be marked with a unique identifier

Certified products must be marked with a two-dimensional barcode containing the unique product identity and providing direct access to product information at the item level.

Complete details in: chapter 6

New focus on stabilizers and external cables

We expand TCO Certified Accepted Substance List with a new category: stabilizers. An exception for cables is removed which means that any external cables supplied with the product may only contain flame retardants, plasticizers and stabilizers that are independently assessed as safer and listed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.

Complete details in: chapter 6

Easy battery replacement

A new battery must be available for anyone to purchase. It must be replaceable using commercially available tools, or tools provided free of charge with the product and instructions must be available, free of charge.

Complete details in: chapter 6

Safer process chemicals

All display panel factories must only use cleaning solvents listed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List and submit chemical inventory data about adhesives and lubricants.

Complete details in: chapter 7

Responsible e-waste management

Brand owners must offer product take-back on all markets where their products are sold and collaborate with e-waste partners focused on remanufacturing, refurbishment or recycling. A minimum of 40% of all partners must meet the standards R2, e-stewards, EN50625 or equivalent.

Complete details in: chapter 8

Recycled packaging materials

If the product packaging consists of more than 20% plastic materials (by weight), then at least 50% of the plastics (by weight) must be made of post-consumer recycled plastics.

Complete details in: chapter 8