To announce the Launching of the China Environmental Labelling Scheme in Hong Kong, the Green Council had organized a Press Conference cum Cocktail Reception at Integer, Tamar Site on 29 May 2002 at 3:00p.m. Honorable guests attended the event included Professor Xia Qing, Director of Secretariat of China Certification Committee for Environmental Labelling Products, Mr. Robert Law JP, Director of Environmental Protection Department, Professor Wang Guiguo, Chairman of Hong Kong WTO Research Institute and representatives as well as professionals from commercial sectors. At the Press Conference, Professor Xia Qing delivered a speech on the latest development of China Environmental Label in the mainland, which enabled local enterprises to have a better understanding of recent market trends of environmental products in the mainland. Followed by an introduction of the background information and application procedure of the Scheme by Ms Linda WP Ho, CEO of Green Council and Mr Nelson Law, Advisor of Green Council.

The China Environmental Labelling Scheme was established in 1993, in order to promote environmental protection and to enhance exports and trade. In 1994, the China Certification Committee for Environmental Labelling Products (CCEL) was officially formed to administer the Scheme. CCEL is formed by the State Environmental Protection Administration of China (SEPA), State Bureau of Technical Supervision and the State Administration of Import and Export Inspection and Quarantine, as well as professionals from various disciplines to oversee the operation of the Scheme. Later CCEL formed the Secretariat of China Certification Committee for Environmental Labelling Products (SCCEL) and is recognized by SEPA as the only authority to grant China Environmental Labels.

As both Green Council and SCCEL are members of the Global Eco-labelling Network (GEN), with a mutual commitment in improving, promoting and developing environmental labeling. In order to develop environmentally friendly products and green consumerism further, SCCEL has appointed Green Council to establish Hong Kong Representative Office of SCCEL in December 2001 to process applications from companies located in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and other foreign countries in order to facilitate a wider participation of the Scheme.

In recent years, Chinese Government has put great emphasis on environmental protection, as well as the environmental performance of products. In line with sustainable development, the Chinese Government supports the Scheme fully by investing heavily on the establishment of assessment criteria. Each criteria is formulated by leading Academies. To date, SCCEL has established the technical requirement for 42 product categories covering recycled paper, battery, aerosol products, home appliances, computers, textile, vehicles and wooden flooring, etc. Since 1994, the Environmental Labels have been awarded to 1,274 products for 305 enterprises. All applications have to undergo strict assessment process, from documents verification, on-site inspection, sample testing to final approval from experts and advisory committee. At present, there is a great demand of such certification in China, last year over 300 applications were submitted for construction material such as flooring materials and wall coatings.

With China’s accession to WTO and the commitment to organize a “Green Olympic” at Beijing in 2008, will generate a demand for certification of environmental products. Products with Environmental Label will gain a competitive edge in the China market. Professor Xia Qing said that,” Hong Kong is the gateway to the West, huge volumes of high tech products from developed countries are imported into China via Hong Kong. Hence, Hong Kong possesses the advantage in developing certification for environmental label products.” At present, few imported products have applied for the Scheme, he expected that by setting up of Hong Kong Representative Office will enable more imported products to be awarded the label.

Green Council, as the Hong Kong Representative Office of SCCEL, will provide assistance and guidance to applicants for applying the Scheme. Where appropriate, the assessment procedure will be conducted in Hong Kong or overseas. Arrangements with accredited laboratories will be made to provide professional testing services to applicants for sample testing.

The Hong Kong Representative Office is opened to applications now. Seminars and training courses will be organized to introduce the requirements and application procedures.