Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment

For each product type, the standard provides a minimum recycled material content threshold. This minimum threshold can be met with the use of either pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled material. In general, products must contain more than one recycled material input to be eligible. Exemptions may be granted for products on a case-by-case basis.  

Conformance Options

Option 1: The product contains at least two recycled materials that meet the material-level thresholds, and the product meets the product-level thresholds.  

Option 2: The product contains at least three recycled materials that meet the material-level thresholds. In this case, the product is not required to meet the product-level threshold.   

Apply now if you’re ready to take the next step, or contact us to determine if your product qualifies.  

The certification process involves an audit of legal compliance, supplier verification and validation, material due diligence procedures, minimum recycled content criteria, and material inputs.  

Initial Audit

• Authorization. Client authorizes work to proceed.
• Data Submission. Client completes the SCS data request form (DRF) and provides supplementary documents. The auditor conducts a desk-audit review based on this information and provides feedback.  
• Onsite Audit. The auditor conducts an onsite audit (or virtual audit if needed) on an agreed-upon date.  
• Initial Findings. The auditor issues findings based on the audit. The client then has an opportunity to respond to these findings.  
• Draft Report. The auditor drafts a report, taking into consideration the client’s responses to findings, with a certification recommendation.
• Internal Review. The auditor’s report is reviewed before a final certification decision is made.  
• Certification.  If the certification decision is positive, a certificate is issued, valid for one year. 

Why should our products undergo certification?

Third-party certification builds business value, enabling companies to provide independent confirmation of their recycled content claims to business customers and consumers, satisfy market specifications, and reinforce a sustainable supply chain.  

Why should our company seek out products that contain certified recycled content?  

Certification creates needed transparency around recycled content claims, to ensure a level playing field in the marketplace. Your participation in the circular economy stimulates increased use of recycled materials in products, reinforcing innovation in material recycling processes to improve the functionality and performance of recycled materials, and reducing waste going to landfill or incineration.  

Does this certification qualify my product for the Amazon Climate Friendly Pledge program?  

Yes, certification under the SCS Recycled Content Standard V3.0, Annex A, is sufficient for recognition. Read more on our Climate Pledge Friendly page.

Are there minimum thresholds established for recycled content in my product?

Yes.  Minimum percentage thresholds (i.e., baselines) are established by recycled material type. These baselines are updated from time to time to take into consideration regulatory standards that impact design, performance, and electrical safety.  In addition, minimum thresholds are established for the finished product (see the Eligibility tab for details). 

Minimum Recycled Material-Level Thresholds for Metals and Plastics