FAQs

It means a product has been reviewed against our published standard and found to meet defined criteria based on materials, formulation, and manufacturing documentation. The certification is designed around upstream prevention and transparency.

Not as a routine requirement today. Current microplastics analysis methods are technically complex and results can vary by method, size thresholds, sample preparation, and instrumentation. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre reported average analysis times per sample of about 10 hours (µ-FTIR) and 19 hours (µ-Raman), and noted that time and time-related costs are barriers to routine analysis. JRC technical report.

For broad consumer-product certification, documentation-based verification is the most consistent and scalable approach right now. We may introduce lab testing as an optional add-on as methods become more standardized and commercially practical.

Microplastics risk is largely determined by upstream choices: material composition, coatings, additives, and degradation pathways. A documentation-first review focuses on preventing microplastic introduction at the design and manufacturing stage rather than relying solely on post-production detection.

We review materials declarations, technical data sheets, supplier documentation, bills of materials, and manufacturing disclosures relevant to microplastic-forming inputs. Requirements vary by product category and risk profile.

It does not claim a universal, absolute zero across all particle sizes and conditions, and it is not a statement that the product has been lab-tested for microplastics by CMF unless explicitly stated in the client’s certification scope.

Eligibility depends on category, materials, and documented risk. Products designed around inert materials with minimal coatings and additives tend to be the fastest fit. We publish criteria so brands can self-screen before applying.

Certification lasts 1 year. If a product’s materials, suppliers, or manufacturing process changes, re-review may be required.

Silicone is a polymer built on a silicon and oxygen backbone, which is chemically different from the carbon-based polymers that make up conventional plastics. Most scientific and regulatory definitions of microplastics cover synthetic carbon-based polymers, and cured food-grade silicone is not classified as a plastic under those definitions. Under CMF Standard v1.0, properly cured silicone, such as platinum-cured food-grade silicone, is treated as a qualifying material. As with every material, we review the specific grade and supplier documentation rather than approving a material name on its own.

There is a per-product-family review fee, paid when the full documentation review begins, and an annual licensing fee for certified products. The initial eligibility screening is free. Current fees are listed on our pricing page. Review fees are charged for the review itself and are not contingent on approval.

The free eligibility screening takes 3 to 5 business days. A full documentation review typically takes 2 to 4 weeks once complete documentation is received. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delay, so the documentation requirements page is worth reading before you apply.

A product family is a group of products that share the same materials, construction, and manufacturing process, such as one bottle design offered in multiple sizes or colors. A family is reviewed together under a single review fee and certificate. Products with different materials or construction are separate families, even if they share a product line name.

No. Under CMF Standard v1.0, bio-based and biodegradable plastics are disqualifying by default in exposed components. These materials are still plastics under most scientific definitions, and their fragmentation behavior in real use conditions is not equivalent to non-plastic materials. This position is recorded in the standard and would only change through a published standard revision.

Certification covers the product's exposed surfaces. For products where the contents contact their packaging, such as cosmetics and liquids, the primary packaging surfaces that contact the formulation are within scope. Outer packaging, such as boxes and shipping materials, is not certified.

The license agreement requires certified clients to report material, supplier, and manufacturing changes. Depending on the change, we may confirm continued compliance from updated documentation or require re-review. Unreported changes that affect compliance are grounds for suspension or revocation of the certification.

Yes. Certification can be suspended or revoked for unreported product changes, misuse of the seal, or evidence that a product no longer meets the standard. A revoked or expired certificate shows that status on our verification page, and the product is removed from the certified products directory.

Yes. A declined application receives a written determination identifying the disqualifying components or documentation gaps. You can reapply after addressing them; a new review fee applies, because fees cover the review rather than the outcome.

Every certified product has a certificate number that can be checked on our verification page, and every certified product appears in our public directory. If a product displays our seal but cannot be verified, report it to info@microfree.org.