Issues such as product energy efficiency, product takeback and recycling, and use of hazardous materials are increasingly a part of the buying decision. This is particularly true in the more environmentally aware markets of northern and central Europe and Japan.

This recognition for products with environmentally preferable attributes has prompted green procurement activities in markets around the world and created the need for systematic and standardized communications with respect to environmental claims for products.

This paper discusses the various environmental label types and programs affecting electronic products and details EIA's position on the appropriate use of these labels.