The issue we want to solve

With around 350,000 substances available on the market, it is impossible to assess them all. Once a substance is found to be of high risk, restrictions are often regional and in countries where they are not yet banned, substances can continue to be used. Another big problem is unsafe substitutions — banned substances often are replaced with similar ones, that may pose the same or even greater risks.

How the criterion works

We want to ensure that only safer alternatives replace known and unknown hazardous chemicals, whilst IT products continue to meet strict electrical safety standards. Therefore, we consider all non-assessed substances a high risk until they have been scientifically tested and approved as safer alternatives. Once verified by an independent toxicologist, substances are added to TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. This list is public and open to anyone and can be used to drive the use of safer substances across all industries.

Benefits for IT buyers and users

Buyers of certified products can avoid the risks of hazardous substances in the supply chains, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations while supporting safer and more sustainable IT products. The risk of toxic pollution and other environmental risks are reduced and recycling of more products and materials is made possible.