This article outlines all documentation requirements for ZDHC Supplier to Zero Level 2 certification, covering both standard and reduced review processes for recognised certification schemes.

Reduced Review Documentation by Certification Scheme

OEKO-TEX® STeP Reduced Review

Essential Documents

1. OEKO-TEX® STeP Certificate

• • Must be currently valid
  • Original certificate file (not a copy or screenshot)
  • Digital format (PDF preferred)

2. OEKO-TEX® STeP Report

• • Complete report matching your certificate
  • Must include all sections and appendices
  • PDF format

bluesign® Reduced Review

Essential Documents

1. bluesign® Confirmation Letter

• • Must be currently valid
  • Official confirmation letter from bluesign® technologies
  • Digital format (PDF preferred)

4s CHEM Reduced Review

Essential Documents

1. 4sustainability®: 4s Abstract Report CHEM

• • Must be currently valid
  • Shows implementation level achieved (Basic, Advanced, or Excellence)
  • Digital format (PDF preferred)

2. 4s Action Plan CHEM

• • Current action plan document
  • Demonstrates ongoing commitment to chemical management improvement
  • Digital format (PDF preferred)

Common Requirements for All Reduced Reviews

3. Facility Information

• • Required responses about:
    • Discharge volume
    • Discharge type
    • Facility activities

Conditional Requirements (All Schemes)

4. ZDHC ClearStream Reports (if applicable based on discharge information)

• • Two separate reports required
  • Must be dated within last 12 months
  • PDF format
  • Reports must be complete with all sections

5. Performance InCheck Reports (based on facility activities)

• • Three separate reports required
  • Must be dated within last 6 months
  • PDF format

Document Validity Requirements

Time Restrictions

• OEKO-TEX® STeP Certificate: Must be valid at time of submission
• bluesign® Confirmation Letter: Must be valid at time of submission
• 4s CHEM documents: Must be valid at time of submission
• ClearStream Reports: ≤ 12 months old
• Performance InCheck Reports: ≤ 6 months old

Format Requirements

• All documents must be:
  • Clear and legible
  • In PDF format where possible
  • Complete (no partial documents)
  • In original form (not screenshots or photos)

Common Documentation Issues to Avoid

1. Invalid Dates

• • Expired certificates or confirmation letters
  • Reports older than allowed timeframes
  • Incorrectly dated documents

2. Incomplete Submissions

• • Partial reports
  • Missing pages
  • Incomplete information

3. Format Problems

• • Poor quality scans
  • Screenshots instead of proper documents
  • Wrong file formats

Tips for Successful Document Submission

1. Before Uploading

• • Check all document dates
  • Verify file completeness
  • Ensure clear, high-quality files
  • Confirm correct file formats

2. During Upload

• • Label files clearly
  • Upload to correct sections
  • Verify successful upload
  • Check file visibility in system

3. After Upload

• • Review submitted documents
  • Verify all required fields are complete
  • Ensure all conditional requirements are met

Document Storage and Visibility

• • All submitted documents are securely stored
  • Documents visible to:
    • ZDHC review team
    • Connected brands (certification status only)
    • Your facility management

Need Help?

If you're unsure about any documentation requirements:

• Review the specific requirements for your certification scheme
• Check document validity dates
• Ensure all conditional requirements are met based on your responses
• Contact ZDHC support if you need clarification

For more information about the review process, see:

• How does the Reduced Review process work?
• Understanding Different Types of Level 2 Reviews: Standard vs. Reduced