How do I know which PCR to use?

The choice of the applicable PCR for a product mainly depends on the following aspects:

• Product category and classification
• Sector of application
• Needs of the EPD owner

To identify the applicable PCR, the following resources are needed:

• PCR Library with documents (free sign up or log in needed)
• List of UN CPC codes (product classification system): https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/CPC.cshtml

1. Identify the product category, UN CPC code and sector of application of the product.
2. In the PCR Library, search for key words (product designations, its category, sector) related to the product and/or choose the product category.
3. Download the documents of relevant PCRs from your search results and examine section 2.2 which contains the scope description, often including corresponding UN CPC codes.
4. Check if any of the PCRs covers your product by comparing the scope description and UN CPC codes with your product and its CPC code.
5. Being compliant with specific standards (such as EN 15804 for products used in the construction sector, or EN 50693 for electronics) can also be a decisive factor.
6. If more than one PCR is applicable to your product, you can choose any of them but we recommend to use the one more specific to the scope in terms of product function.
7. It could be that none of the currently valid PCRs is applicable to your product. In this case, contact our Helpdesk (link see below).
8. If you identified a main PCR (e.g., construction products, electronics, food and beverages) as the applicable PCR, check if any of its c-PCRs is relevant for your product. If so, you shall use it together with the main PCR.
9. Make sure that the choice of PCR is approved by the EPD verifier.
   

If you need support in finding the applicable PCR for your product or in case of doubt, please contact our Helpdesk: https://www.environdec.com/support

Please note that we are currently working on improving the search function in the PCR Library. Among other things, the updated PCR Library will allow to filter the PCRs according to CPC codes.