Chem-MAP ZDHC certification is valid for two years. After this time, recertification is required which will include additional testing and re-audits where relevant.
Chem-MAP certification is a risk-based testing protocol. From the range of chemicals that require certification, the Eurofins | Chem-MAP team will select 5% (or a minimum of 10 chemicals) for full MRSL testing, and 10% (or a minimum of 15 chemicals) for risk based MRSL based on the use category and type for the chemical. If there are less chemicals than the minimum number stated for ZDHC certification then full MRSL testing will be required for up to 10 chemicals, with the remaining risk tested. For Level 3 certification, we will also select 10% (or a minimum of 10, and maximum of 50) of the raw materials used in the production of the gateway listed chemicals for risk based MRSL testing.
The ZDHC conformance Levels range from 1 to 3. Higher conformance levels are expected to reflect a higher confidence that a chemical product meets the ZDHC MRSL conformance levels, therefore a lower probability of any ZDHC MRSL substances being present in the certified chemical product.
To achieve Chem-MAP ZDHC Conformance Level 1, your business will need to undertake MRSL analysis.
To achieve Chem-MAP ZDHC Conformance Level 2, your business will need to undertake MRSL analysis and a remote chemical management audit.
To achieve Chem-MAP ZDHC Conformance Level 3, your business will need to undertake MRSL analysis, an onsite chemical management audit and the supply chain transparency module.
1. A review of permits, compliance requirements and evidence
2. Selection of 3 products manufactured at the site (1x formulation, 1x synthesis, 1x resale)
3. Review the formulation of each of the selected products
4. Review of the process for managing synthesised products
5. Review of the process for managing formulated products
6. Review of the process for managing resale products
1. Plant related auditing
2. A series of discussions with the various functions within the organisation
The cost of Chem-MAP MRSL testing is unit based. For one full MRSL test, the price is 1400GBP with both risk MRSL and raw material testing priced at 500GBP per unit. However, if a larger number of chemicals require certification, then a discount of up to 30% is applied.
The price of audits varies at 1000GBP plus costs for a Level 3 on-site audit and 6000GBP for remote Level 2 audits and additional Level 3 sites. A discount of up to 10% is applied to audit cost depending on the number of sites to be audited.
If a product does not comply to the ZDHC MRSL limits, then it will not be verified or listed on the ZDHC Gateway. Upon completion of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and successful retesting, the product may be added to the gateway at a later date.
Note, pass and fail rates are calculated as a percentage, and will have an impact on the final grade and overall certification status.
Full MRSL testing requires the product to be tested against all MRSL limits. Whereas risk MRSL, means that testing is conducting on the risk basis, against specific MRSL limits depending on the use category and type of the product.
The length of time for certification can vary depending on the level of ZDHC certification. Once samples are received Eurofins | Chem-MAP allow 4-6 weeks for testing to be complete, however audits are often scheduled for after testing completion, therefore Level 3 certification can take longer. Eurofins | Chem-MAP will work with the company to understand their specific timeline/target.
Where possible, we require 3 batches of each chemical to be sent for analysis. Around 100ml/100g of each batch should be sufficient for testing.
Chemical Safety Data Sheets are required before any testing can begin. SDS should be sent electronically to the Eurofins | Chem-MAP team as soon as the test selection has made to allow a COSHH assessment to be completed prior to testing.
Yes, Chem-MAP can upgrade your existing certification. Depending on your current level, and the work undertaken to achieve this, the Chem-MAP team will be able to review and advise the necessary steps to upgrade.
Testing fees will be applied for recertification following the same pricing format. For audits, a reduced fee will be applied during recertification.
The Chem-MAP programme allows for multiple trade names within a single certification without repeating unnecessary testing.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP are excited to share that Pili Bio have successfully certified with ZDHC level 1 certification against MRSL V3.1 for their indigo pigment. This certification aligns with Eurofins | Chem-MAP Protocol 5.0 and adheres to the latest conformity guidelines issued by ZDHC in November 2022. “The Chem-MAP team...
Published 27th March 2025 Read more
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