In March 2026, the CENELEC Technical Committee CLC/TC 111X ‘Environment’ published a new standard on the quantification and communication of carbon footprint and GHG emissions reduction from electric and electronic products. At a time when climate transparency is becoming a key expectation across global markets, this standard offers a harmonized approach to assessing and communicating environmental performance.
EN IEC 63372:2026 ‘Quantification and communication of carbon footprint, GHG emission reductions and avoided emissions from electric and electronic products and systems - Principles, methodologies, requirements and guidance’ is an international standard, developed in parallel with CENELEC TC 111X ‘Environment’. It provides a common method for measuring and communicating the climate impact of electrical and electronic products and systems. Three key aspects are covered: the carbon footprint of a product (CFP), greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, and avoided emissions. Using a life cycle assessment approach, it evaluates emissions throughout a product’s entire life cycle, from raw materials and manufacturing to use and end-of-life treatment.
The standard updates and replaces earlier guidance, IEC TR 62725:2013 and IEC TR 62726:2014, by introducing enhanced methods for calculating product carbon footprints, quantifying emission reductions, and assessing avoided emissions. It helps organizations communicate climate-related information in a transparent, consistent, and scientifically robust manner.
EN IEC 63372 is important because governments, investors, customers, and regulators increasingly require reliable information about the climate impact of products. The standard supports informed decision-making, prevents double counting of emissions reductions, and contributes to global climate action and net-zero goals.
For industry, it provides a recognized framework to assess and demonstrate the environmental performance of products. For society, it encourages the development and adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as heat pumps, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and smart energy management solutions.
A practical example of how this standard can be used is a heat pump replacing a conventional fossil-fuel heating system. Using EN IEC 63372, manufacturers can quantify both the emissions generated by the heat pump and the emissions avoided compared with traditional heating technologies. This gives consumers reliable information and supports the transition to lower-carbon heating solutions.
By establishing clear principles and methodologies for measuring and communicating carbon impacts, EN IEC 63372 strengthens trust in environmental claims and supports comparability across products and sectors. It equips industry with the tools needed to demonstrate credible climate performance, while empowering consumers and stakeholders to make informed choices. Ultimately, the standard contributes to accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Carolina MÜLLER
cmueller@cencenelec.eu
