FUND FOR RESEARCH INTO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH & EQUITY

ISO Type 1 Eco-Labels

Global Review of Eco-Labels: Implications for South Africa

PHASE TWO REPORT

January 2003

Trade Implications for South Africa of Foreign Eco-Labelling Schemes: A Socio-Economic Assessment

Background to this study

This study was commissioned by the Fund for Research into Industrial Development, Growth and Equity (FRIDGE), a sub-committee of the Trade & Industry Chamber of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). The study was initiated by the Environmental Section of the EIDD division of the Department of Trade and Industry, who serve as the project leader for this study. The main objective of the study is to inform decision making - as part of the Integrated Manufacturing Strategy - regarding the feasibility and appropriateness of developing a national eco-labelling scheme in South Africa and/or facilitating access to existing labelling initiatives of key trade partners. This is based on an assessment of the state of eco-labelling abroad, and on an evaluation of relevant market conditions in South Africa. (A more detailed description of thevarious objectives is provided in the project Terms of Reference).

This report builds on the report titled: Global Review of Eco-Labels: Implications for South Africa, that was produced in Phase I of the two-phase project process. Report I undertook a global review of existing eco-labelling initiatives, and assessed the implications of these initiatives for South Africa. On the basis of this assessment, Report I suggests that for the purposes of promoting South African exports in those foreign markets that have labelling schemes, there is greater merit in facilitating certification in terms of those schemes, than indeveloping a uniquely South African labelling initiative.