Certification Standard for Biodegradability

This standard (SCS-104) is applicable to liquid and powder products intended to be disposed down the drain, such as cleaners, detergents, soaps, detergents, and cosmetics, for which an organization wishes to make verified biodegradable claims. It provides a framework for evaluating whether a product readily biodegrades safely and efficiently in aerobic environments while ensuring that ingredients do not accumulate in the environment at harmful concentrations prior to degradation. Certification against SCS-104 requires products to meet biodegradability criteria as well as restrictions on acute aquatic toxicity, phosphates, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins (CMRs), and persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances. By promoting products that break down safely and minimizing the use of substances of concern, certification supports environmental protection and helps reduce potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. 

For complete information about all standard criteria, download "SCS-104 Biodegradability Standard V7.1" (see Documents section, to right).

Assurance System:

Conformance with SCS-104 requirements is assessed through annual audits conducted by SCS Global Services, a qualified and independent third party. Audits are conducted according to scheme-specific and relevant international standards. For full details about the SCS-104 assurance system, download “SCS-104 Certification Body Requirements” (see Documents section, to right).

Empowering Consumers: 

For information about how SCS-104 and other SCS Standards meet the EU Empowering Consumers Directive, see “SCS Standards and the EU Empowering Consumers Directive.”

SCS Standards Operations: 

For information about SCS Standards policies and procedures, see our Resources.