Please see the ZDHC MRSL Conformance Guidance by clicking here for a complete description of this process, including the requirements for becoming a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier and each conformance level.

The ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module operates to ZDHC’s latest ZDHC MRSL Conformance Guidance document(s).

As of 1 January 2023 and until 31 October 2023 we are in the transition period between Conformance Guidance version 1.1 and 2.0. This means that, in that time, chemical products can be verified according to the ZDHC MRSL 2.0, which is linked to ZDHC Conformance Guidance V1.1, and according to the new ZDHC MRSL 3.0, which is linked to ZDHC Conformance Guidance V2.0. As of 1 November 2023 only products that are verified according to ZDHC MRSL 3.1, can be uploaded and published on the Gateway. More information about this transition can be found here.

Both applicable ZDHC MRSL Conformance Guidance documents explain the ZDHC MRSL Levels, which have different requirements.

The Conformance Guidance V1.1 model is based on three levels of conformance starting at Level 1:

• ZDHC MRSL 2.0 Level 1 – the chemical product passed a third-party review of documentation that is issued by a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier.
• ZDHC MRSL 2.0 Level 2 – the chemical product passed all the elements of MRSL Conformance Level 1 and a review of the chemical product stewardship practices (health, safety and environment) of the chemical supplier by the third-party certifier. The certification needs to be issued by a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier.
• ZDHC MRSL 2.0 Level 3 – the chemical product has all requirements for the elements of MRSL Conformance Level 2 and passed a site visit to the chemical formulator to evaluate their chemical product stewardship first-hand. The certification needs to be issued by a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier.

The Conformance Guidance V2.0 model is based on three levels of conformance starting at Level 1:

• ZDHC MRSL 3.1 Level 1 – the chemical product passed analytical testing, supported screening and SDS review of relevant MRSL substances information by a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier.
• ZDHC MRSL 3.1 Level 2 – the chemical product passed all the elements of MRSL Conformance Level 1 and an onsite assessment of management systems by a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier.
• ZDHC MRSL 3.1 Level 3 – the chemical product has all requirements for the elements of MRSL Conformance Level 2 and passed an onsite assessment of chemical hazard assessment capability.

It is important to note that these conformance levels are not certifications in and of themselves; rather, they reflect the volume and quality of information available and that a particular chemical product does, in fact, meet the ZDHC MRSL Criteria. Every level represents a positive piece of information available about a chemical product’s conformance.

Formulations whose validity for ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level 1, 2 or 3 have expired will be placed in the “Expired” category on the ZDHC Gateway. “Expired” formulations are not considered as a ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level. However, it helps to maintain the transparency process in ZDHC Gateway through the Performance InCheck Report.

Only products with MRSL conformance can be listed on the ZDHC Gateway – Chemical Module.

Upload the certificates, the ZDHC Gateway will automatically display the latest version.

After the chemical formulator has certified a chemical formulation with one of our ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifiers, the formulators can create an organisation account on the ZDHC Gateway and upload the product with the required product information (Certification of ZDHC MRSL Conformance with the respective Level and a valid SDS file or link) and make it visible to Suppliers and Brands after a ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifier verifies the formulator’s chemical products for the appropriate ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level on ZDHC Gateway.

Yes, the system will automatically update the conformance rating when a new qualifying document is uploaded after it goes through the verification process.