Product Category Rules (PCRs)

Overview

PCRs are a necessary tool that define the rules and requirements for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). PCRs are developed in an open and collaborative manner, much like industry standards. Interested parties and stakeholders may participate in what’s known as an open development process, which allows them to review the draft PCR, ask questions, and share comments electronically. Stakeholders may include material suppliers, manufacturers, trade associations, purchasers, users, consumers, nongovernmental organizations, public agencies, life-cycle assessment  practitioners and certification bodies.

UL Solutions, a program operator functioning under ISO 14025, maintains all comments and questions received during the development process and then posts PCRs for a public comment period. Then, UL Solutions will submit a final version of the PCR to a review panel for approval. Once approved, it is published on UL Standards website. PCRs expire every three-to-five years and must be updated to address relevant changes in the industry. However, PCRs are living documents and may be updated within this window, if needed.

If you are interested in participating on one of the following PCR committees, please download and complete the PCR committee application form at the bottom of this page. All applications should be submitted to [email protected].

UL Solutions can certify EPDs using existing PCRs created by any program operator. When no PCR exists for a product group or particular geography, UL Solutions will work with stakeholders to create one or address regionally specific requirements for PCRs created for another market.

Below are links to PCRs and geographic-specific addenda created and published by UL Solutions:

UL Environment/IBU Core PCR: Part A

V1.3 – June 2014

V2 – June 2017

V3 – February 2018

V3.1 – March 2018

V3.2 – December 2018

V4 – March 2022 (current)

PCRs in development

Please contact us for more information about UL Solutions' PCR development process.

None at this time.

Call for Participation on PCR Committee

If you are interested in participating on one of the following PCR committees, please download and complete the PCR committee application form at the bottom of this page. All applications should be submitted to [email protected].

• Product Category Rule (PCR) Guidance for Asphalt Emulsion Products - applications open until June 23, 2023

PCRs for renewal

Comments on the following, existing PCR(s) draft and comments should be submitted to [email protected] using the provided comment template at the bottom of the page:

• Product Category Rules (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Flooring EPD Requirements – will be available for public comment Feb. 3 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rules for Part B: Insulated Metal Panels, Metal Composite Panels, and Metal Cladding: Roof and Wall Panels – will be available for public comment Feb. 3 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rules (PCR) for preparing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the Product Category: Tires – will be available for public comment Feb. 3 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rule (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Joint Compound EPD Requirements – will be available for public comment Feb. 13 - April 10, 2023.
• Product Category Rule (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Processed Glass EPD Requirements – will be available for public comment Feb. 13 - April 10, 2023.
• Addendum for the Product Category Rules (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Requirements on the EPD for Bathroom Fittings and Showers – will be available for public comment Feb. 13 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rules (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Sanitary Ceramic EPD Requirements (Version 2.1) – will be available for public comment Feb. 13 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rules (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Plumbing Vessel EPD Requirements (Version 2.0)  – will be available for public comment Feb. 13 - April 10, 2023
• Product Category Rule (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Designated Steel Construction Product EPD Requirements  – will be available for public comment March 17 - April 17, 2023
  • Note: This PCR is being posted for public comment prior to its expiration date due to modifications requested from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The letter from CDOT explaining the background of their request and the proposed changes can be found here. During the comment period, we are accepting both feedback on the CDOT proposal and on the PCR in general, to determine what modifications are needed.  

Benefits

UL Solutions has extensive experience developing PCRs and a proven history of working with multiple stakeholders. In addition, UL Solutions can verify EPDs by using existing PCRs created by other program operators.

Why UL Solutions

UL Solutions is a global leader in the development of PCRs, and our experience working with industries and stakeholders enables us to support you and your EPDs.