You are here：Home > news2017

FAQs for Companies to apply for Blue Angel

Posted Date:2017/5/31

Questions on making an application

1. Where do I fine the criteria that a product/service have to fulfill in order to be award the Blue Angel?

All criteria are listed in the relevant Basic Award Criteria.

2. I cannot find suitable Basic Award Criteria for my product in order to make an application, what can I do?

Check whether you can find a suitable product category under pending investigative orders. If not, you can submit a new proposal.

3. Is it possible for a foreign company to submit an application?

Yes, foreign companies are also able to apply for the Blue Angel.

4. Can a product named in the application be produced abroad?

Yes. Please state the production locations when submitting the application.

5. Can the product named in the application be produced in different locations and if yes, do I need to register all of the production locations?

Yes, the products can be produced in different locations and these locations must all be stated when submitting the application.

6. Can a test report from a foreign testing institution also be used?

Yes, as long as it verifies compliance with the requirements stated in the Basic Award Criteria and the report is completed in German or English.

7. Can a test report also be submitted that is not completed in German or English?

No, please only submit test reports that have been completed in either German or English.

8. How old is a test report that I need to submit for the application allowed to be?

If the Basic Award Criteria do not provide any information to the contrary, the test reports for the application should be no more than one year old. If a period of validity is stated on the test report, it must be valid at the time of the application. Please discuss any discrepancies with the relevant person handling the application.

9. A test report issued by a testing institution accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 is required in the Basic Award Criteria. How do I find a corresponding testing institute? Can RAL gGmbH or UBA provide us with names of suitable test laboratories?

We ask you to please understand that for reasons of neutrality we cannot make any special recommendations. However, a list of accredited testing institutions in Germany can, for example, be found under: http://www.dakks.de/content/datenbank-akkreditierter-stellen , while an overview of the European accreditation bodies can be found under: http://www.european-accreditation.org/ea-members

10. Is it necessary to submit all of the required documentation with the application or can some documents been submitted at a later point in time?

In order to ensure the quick and easy processing of the applications, all of the documentation should generally be provided in full with the application. If this is not possible due to exceptional circumstances, please clearly indicate on the application letter which documents are missing that will be submitted at a later date.

11. Will I receive an acknowledgement of receipt when I have submitted my application?

Yes, we will immediately send you an acknowledgement of receipt via e-mail.

12. How long does it take from the submission of the documentation until the award of the environmental label?

Our goal is to process the applications where possible within two months. The processing time is highly dependent on the completeness, understandability and correctness of the submitted documentation.

13. Who is responsible at RAL gGmbH for processing my application?

You can find the employee responsible for handling your application in the overview of all basic award criteria by clicking on the corresponding Basic Award Criteria.

14. Can I use a different invoice address to the address of the company making the application?

Yes, this is possible as long as this address is then valid for all invoices.

15. Can I entrust another company with the task of submitting and preparing the application?

Yes, this is not a problem as long as we receive an informal letter of authorization to this effect and the corresponding application documentation is signed by you as the label holder. The contracts on the use of the environmental labels must also be signed by the label holder.

16. Can I also submit the application documentation in electronic form (CD, e-mail attachment)?

No. Please submit all of the documentation in written form unless the Basic Award Criteria explicitly state otherwise. Exceptions are only possible after consultation with the employee responsible for handling your application e.g. if you need to submit a lot of safety data sheets.

17. Can I also submit any subsequently required documentation in electronic form (CD, e-mail attachment)?

This is only possible in consultation with the employee responsible for handling your application – and provided that the volume of data is not too large.

18. Is it absolutely necessary to use the annexes from the download folder or can I also use other annexes or declarations?

Yes, the documents provided in the download folder must be used for the application.

19. Can I also use double-sided printouts for the application documentation?

Yes, in view of our goal of protecting the environment we are of course pleased to accept double-sided printouts.

20. The Basic Award Criteria include lots of different criteria, do I need to comply with all of them?

Yes, it is necessary to comply with all of the requirements unless the Basic Award Criteria explicitly state otherwise. For example, in the Basic Award Criteria for paper there are different criteria for manufacturers of paper than for manufacturers of finished products.

21. Can I receive written confirmation that my products/services are involved in the application process?

The acknowledgement of receipt of the application that we send to you by e-mail acts as this confirmation.

22. I require documents from my suppliers in order to make an application. The supplier would like to send the documents directly to RAL gGmbH. Is this possible?

In principle, all of the documentation should be submitted by the applicant. If this is not possible for reasons of confidentiality (e.g. for recipes), please speak to the employee responsible for handling your application.

23. I want to submit applications for multiple products at the same time that only differ very slightly from one another. Do I need to submit the full application documentation for every individual product?

Please speak to the employee responsible for handling your application in each individual case.

24. I want to submit applications for multiple products at the same time that only differ very slightly from one another. How will the application fee be calculated?

Please speak to the employee responsible for handling your application in each individual case.

25. Can I find out which products/services are currently involved in the application process?

No, we are not able to provide any information in this area.

26. Can I view the application documentation?

No, this is not possible.

27. Is it possible for me to already receive the Blue Angel ecolabel after submitting the application so that I can prepare layouts or other documentation?

No, we can only make the logo available to you after the contract on the use of the environmental label has been concluded. Please note that only the label holder will receive the logo.

Following the conclusion of the contract

1. Am I permitted to use the contract on the use of the environmental label publicly?

Yes, whether or not the contract is published is left down to the discretion of the contractual partner.

2. Can I receive a certificate after the contract has been concluded? And in which languages?

Certificates can be requested from us in German or English. The processing fee is 25 Euro per certificate.

3. Can I receive the certificate in electronic form (file)?

No, we cannot make the certificate available as a file.

4. Do I have to use the Blue Angel logo after the contract has been concluded?

No, the use of the logo is completely optional. However, if you do use the logo to indicate the environmentally-friendly nature of your products and services, please ensure that you only use the version of the logo stated in your contract. Please also note the rules on advertising stated in the contract on the use of the environmental label.

5. Is it also possible for the award of the environmental label to be published on the Blue Angel website at a later date? What do I have to do?

Normally, the products/services awarded with the environmental label are automatically published on the website when the contract is concluded. If this is not desired, please indicate this in advance at the time you submit your application. If you then want the award of the environmental label to be published at a later date, please notify us at the corresponding point in time by e-mail.

6. What do I need to do if I don't want my contract to appear on the Blue Angel website any more?

Simply write to us by e-mail and your contract will be removed from the list in a timely manner.

7. Can I add further information about my products/services on the Blue Angel website? What do I have to do?

Simply register on the "Your product category"section of the website with your company name, e-mail and a contract number. You will then receive access data with which you can log into the system to edit the product page view for your products/services. For example, you can upload your company logo, add product images and text, and provide a link to your online shop or to a dealer search function.

8. I already have a valid contract and now want to apply for another product. Some of the documentation required for the application was already submitted when applying for the first product. Do I need to submit the documentation again?

In general, it will be treated as a new application for which the full set of documentation still needs to be submitted. Please speak to the employee responsible for handling your application in each individual case to see whether previous documentation can be reused.

9. Can I apply for a product that has already received a Blue Angel ecolabel under another name? What do I have to do?

In this case, you can submit an application for a contract extension. The processing fee in this case is 150 Euro. We will require a manufacturer's declaration from you stating that this is an identical product. If no declaration is submitted with the application, you will be sent the corresponding form together with the invoice for your signature.

10. Can I apply for a product that has already received a Blue Angel ecolabel under another name and at the same time apply for another distributor (OEM product/rebrand)? What do I have to do?

In this case, you can submit an application for a contract extension. The processing fee in this case is 150 Euro. We will require a manufacturer's declaration from you stating that this is an identical product. If no declaration is submitted with the application, you will be sent the corresponding form together with the invoice for your signature.

11. Can another company make an application for an OEM product/rebrand that has already received a Blue Angel ecolabel? What do they have to do?

Yes, this is possible in principle. However, it will be handled as a new application and not as an extension of the right to use the environmental label. In this case, we also require a manufacturer's declaration from the label holder for the original product that states that the product in the new application is an identical product.

12. We also want to use the Blue Angel ecolabel abroad. The distributor in this case is a subsidiary. What do we need to take into account?

You will need to make an application for a contract extension with the subsidiary as the label user.

13. What should I base the annual sales figures on that are required for the use of the Blue Angel ecolabel?

The annual sales figures for the products/services awarded with the Blue Angel ecolabel are the decisive criterion.

14. I have a valid contract on the use of the environmental label. My company address is due to change. What do I have to do?

Please simply send us an informal e-mail with the relevant information.

15. I have a valid contract on the use of the environmental label. The name of the company is due to change. What do I have to do?

Please simply send us an informal e-mail with the relevant information.

16. I have a valid contract on the use of the environmental label. The product name is due to change. What do I have to do?

Please contact the employee responsible for handling your application and we will change the product name in our files and also on the Internet. It is not necessary to issue new contracts. If you require a new contract or certificate, we would be pleased to provide them for a processing fee of 150 Euro or 25 Euro respectively.

17. I have a valid contract on the use of the environmental label. The product is due to be changed. What do I have to do?

If the changes affect compliance with the requirements in the Basic Award Criteria, it will be necessary to submit new documentation and in certain circumstances to submit a new application that verifies compliance with the required criteria. If you have any further questions, please contact the employee responsible for handling your application.

18. My supplier also wants to use the Blue Angel logo. Is this possible?

No, this is not possible. The Blue Angel ecolabel may only be used for the end product that has been awarded with the label, unless the corresponding products have their own Basic Award Criteria (e.g. such as for "upholstered leather").

19. My product that has been awarded with the Blue Angel ecolabel is then subsequently processed (for example, upholstered leather). Can the manufacturer (for example, a manufacturer of upholstered furniture) also use the Blue Angel logo?

No, this is not possible. The manufacturer must submit an application for the use of the environmental label for their particular end product.

The Blue Angel Logo

1. Where can I receive the files containing the Blue Angel logo? In what file formats can I receive the logo?

We provide the logo to contractual partners (label holders) in printable EPS and JPG formats following the conclusion of the contract. Please send your request for the logo to us by e-mail quoting your contract number.

Are you the user of the environmental label and require the logo? In this case, please contact the label holder.

2. Can I already use the Blue Angel logo after the application documents have been submitted?

No, you are only permitted to use the logo after a contract on the use of the environmental label has been concluded.

3. In what sizes can I use the Blue Angel logo? Is there a minimum image size?

Please always ensure that the circumscription on the logo is easy to read. Please also note the rules in the contract on the use of the environmental label.

4. Can I also use the Blue Angel logo in black or white?

In general, the logo should be used in the original colours of blue and white as shown in the contract. However, the following colour designs are also possible: Blue print on a white or grey background with blue or black text. Black print on a white or grey background with black text.

5. In the event that I am using a monochrome printing process, can I also use the Blue Angel logo in the respective colour?

No, this is not possible.

6. Can I also receive the Blue Angel logo in English?

Yes, you can request an English language version of the logo for use abroad. Please note that the German logo with German circumscription must be used in Germany.

7. Can I also use the Blue Angel logo abroad?

Yes, the environmental label can also be used abroad.

8. Can I also use the English Blue Angel logo in Germany?

No, the German logo with German circumscription must be used in Germany.

9. Can different environmental labels (e.g. the Blue Angel ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel) be used together on one product?

Yes, as long as the relevant requirements for the use of the environmental labels have been fulfilled.

10. Can I also use the Blue Angel logo on technical data sheets, product brochures, other marketing tools and in digital media?

When using the environmental label for advertising purposes or for other measures taken by the label holder, you must ensure that the environmental label is only used in combination with the product/service named in the contract. The label holder shall be solely responsible for the way the label is used, above all, in advertising.

11. I am a journalist. Am I permitted to show the Blue Angel logo in press articles written about the Blue Angel ecolabel?

Please contact us to receive approval for use of the logo and also enclose the planned text about the Blue Angel ecolabel. Write to us by e-mail。

12. My printing company is due to print a brochure for a customer on paper that has been awarded the Blue Angel ecolabel. Am I permitted to print the Blue Angel logo?

You may print a reference to the Blue Angel ecolabel ("Printed on paper that has been awarded the Blue Angel ecolabel") on the brochure. However, if you want to print the Blue Angel logo itself, it is necessary to apply for the Blue Angel ecolabel for the relevant printed matter because the printing inks etc. must also comply with the Basic Award Criteria for the Blue Angel ecolabel.

Termination, expiry and revision of the Basic Award Criteria

1. My contract has been terminated, how long am I still permitted to use the Blue Angel logo?

You are permitted to use the logo until your contract expires. Afterwards, you are not permitted to use the environmental label either on the product/service or for advertising purposes.

2. Do I need to recall already supplied goods if my contract has expired?

No, any products that are still present in the retail trade after the contract has expired can still be sold but they can no longer be actively advertised.

3. Why do already terminated contracts still appear on the Blue Angel website?

The contracts are only deleted from the Internet after the termination date has passed. If your product no longer appears on the website before this date, please write to us by e-mail.

4. How do I find out if Basic Award Criteria have been extended without any amendments by the Environmental Label Jury?

You can view this information in the Basic Award Criteria section in the column "Valid until". As long as you do not receive a letter from us about this matter, you do not need to take any further action as the label holder in order to continue to use your contracts.

5. The date on my certificate has expired but the Basic Award Criteria have been extended. Do I automatically receive a new certificate?

No. If you require a new certificate, please write to us by e-mail.

6. The Basic Award Criteria have been revised and the Environmental Label Jury have ratified new criteria. What do I have to do to still be able to use the Blue Angel ecolabel?

In this case, you need to submit a new application based on the amended criteria because the original contracts based on the "old" criteria will have to be terminated by RAL gGmbH. You will receive a termination letter as the label holder.

7. Why was my contract terminated? I only received the Blue Angel ecolabel six months ago.

All Basic Award Criteria are only valid for a fixed term. Your contract was terminated because the relevant Basic Award Criteria are no longer valid. In general, new and revised Basic Award Criteria will be issued for which you can then submit a new application.

Product with a Blue Angel ecolabel

1. Where can I find products/services that are authorized to use the Blue Angel?

All products/services that have been awarded the environmental label can be found on the website under the relevant product category. You can search for products or services based on the product type (key words), brand name, supplier or Basic Award Criteria.

2. Where can I purchase products holding the Blue Angel?

Search on our website for products and services in order to find the relevant suppliers. If you cannot find a link to the online shop or a dealer directory for a supplier, you can contact the supplier directly. Please understand that we cannot provide you with any further information on the supply of these products/services.

3. How can I recognise if a product is justifiably using the Blue Angel logo?

All products/services that have been awarded the environmental label can be found on the website under the relevant product category.

4. Why have no products/services been awarded the ecolabel for some Basic Award Criteria?

The Blue Angel is a voluntary label. In the case of new Basic Award Criteria, it can sometimes take a relatively long time until the applicants find and submit all of the compliance verifications. It is also possible that expired contracts have not been extended because the product/service has been changed and no longer fulfils the award criteria.

5. Do products or services holding different environmental labels (e.g. Blue Angel ecolabel, EU Ecolabel) fulfil the same criteria?

No, each environmental label has its own individual set of criteria that need to be fulfilled.