How Certification Works

Steps

1. Submit initial application (Stage 1) - Provide basic product and company information so we can confirm that your products are in scope. There is no fee at this stage.
2. Preliminary eligibility screening - We review the initial application to confirm that the product category and materials appear suitable for a full documentation review.
3. Review fee and full documentation intake - If your products are preliminarily eligible, we request the per-product review fee and invite you to submit detailed documentation, such as the bill of materials, process notes, and supplier attestations.
4. Technical review - We evaluate materials against the Certified Microplastic-Free standard, score risk factors, and request clarifications where needed.
5. Decision - We issue a written determination: approve, approve with conditions, or decline with feedback that identifies disqualifying components or gaps.
6. Licensing and renewal - For approved products, you may sign a licensing agreement, pay the licensing fee, and begin using the seal for 12 months. Ongoing use requires annual renewal and confirmation that materials and suppliers remain compliant.

Timelines and fees

Initial applications (Stage 1) are usually reviewed within 3 to 5 business days so we can confirm whether your products are in scope for a full review. There is no fee for this preliminary screening.

Once we accept a product into full review and receive the per-product review fee, typical review time is 2 to 4 weeks after documentation is complete. The review fee covers the technical evaluation and written determination and is nonrefundable once the review begins. Certification is not guaranteed.

Licensing and renewal fees apply only for products that are approved and choose to use the seal. For a detailed breakdown, see the Pricing page.