Eco-labeling schemes aim to support the development and production of environmentally friendly products and facilitate the provision of accurate environmental information to consumers. To smoothly implement such a scheme in Cambodia, interviews with government officials and market surveys were conducted to select three product groups for piloting: 1) Fluorescent Lamps, 2) LED Lamp for General use, and 3) Electric Cable.  This policy brief will suggest main features on an eco-labeling scheme in the construction and building sector in Cambodia.

 

In order to develop adequate criteria for each product group,four steps are needed: 1) Market research, 2) Research on global Eco-labeling criteria, 3) Review on Cambodian law and relevant policies, and 4) Implementation. Each product group’s criteria shall be set considering two main standards: 1) Quality standard, 2) Environmental standard. For Eco-labeling, 7 steps are required in total: 1) preparing for application, 2) reception, 3) review, 4) product and service assessment, 5) product ecolabel identification, 6) product coding, and 7) use of Eco-label. Documents required for reviewing: 1) application form, 2) environmental test results, and 3) quality test results. Fee for ecolabeling certification varies from applying company’s annual sales size, but Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) can get deduction support. Incentives should also be considered for ecolabeling policy implementation: 1) Government reward systems 2) Tax Reduction and 3) Government subsidy.

 

Among three types of institutional structures operating globally, governmental type is considered to be most suitable for Cambodian Eco-labeling scheme. Eco-labeling Committee (EC) should be established, led by MoE/NCSD. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) can be divided into two sections, investigation on illegal use of Eco-labeling certification and monitoring of certified products. Cambodia should first focus on investigation on illegal use, and then build capacity to monitor the certified products. An independent committee for monitoring is needed. The committee shall be composed of representatives from government, academia, and other experts.

 

In order to be consistent with world standards, Cambodia should also join the Global Eco-labeling Network (GEN). Also, Cooperation with foreign countries for Multilateral Mutual Recognition (MMR) is needed to promote overseas distribution of Cambodian Eco-labeled products in accordance with Cambodia’s Roadmap for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).