This article explains what happens when a product's ZDHC MRSL or Chemicals to Zero (CtZ) certification expires in the ZDHC Gateway, and what ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifiers need to do to assign a new certificate.
01/ Introduction
Every ZDHC MRSL and Chemicals to Zero (CtZ) certification assigned to a chemical product has an expiration date.
When a certification expires, the ZDHC Gateway automatically recalculates the product's certification status based on any remaining valid certificates. If no valid ZDHC MRSL certification remains, the product may lose its Accepted status and be automatically unpublished.
Note: The ZDHC Gateway currently has no automated certification renewal workflow. ZDHC MRSL Certifiers must assign a new certificate to the product following the applicable certification requirements.
02/ What happens when a certification expires?
When a certificate expires, the ZDHC Gateway checks whether the product has other valid certifications.
- If other valid certificates remain: The platform recalculates the product's highest valid ZDHC MRSL and CtZ levels, considering certificates from the same or other certification bodies.
- If no valid ZDHC MRSL certificate remains: The product loses its Accepted status and is automatically unpublished. It will no longer be visible in product searches.
The platform performs these checks automatically. ZDHC MRSL Approved Certifiers do not need to manually update the product's publication status.
Note: This automatic unpublishing behavior is planned platform functionality. The product's publication status remains the responsibility of the chemical formulator.
03/ What should MRSL Certifiers do when a certification expires?
If a chemical formulator contacts your organisation to renew an expired certification, follow these steps:
- Review the certification request. Confirm the product details with the Formulator and complete the required certification process in accordance with the applicable ZDHC MRSL version and your organisation's approved certification scope.
- Assign a new certificate. Once the product has been certified, access the ChemCheck module in the ZDHC Gateway and assign the new certification details to the corresponding product, including the applicable ZDHC MRSL or CtZ level and validity dates. For further guidance on how to assign certificates, you can review our Knowledge Base.
- Check the certification details. Verify that the new certificate is assigned to the correct product and that the information reflects the certification issued by your organisation.
- Inform the chemical formulator. Once you assign the new certificate, the ZDHC Gateway automatically recalculates the product's certification status. The chemical formulator can then review the product and republish it if it was previously unpublished.
Important: Assigning a new certificate does not automatically republish an unpublished product. The chemical formulator is responsible for publishing the product once it has regained an eligible certification status.
04/ How are ZDHC MRSL and CtZ certification expirations handled?
ZDHC MRSL and CtZ certifications have independent expiration dates. However, certain CtZ levels depend on a valid ZDHC MRSL certification.
- ZDHC MRSL certification: If a ZDHC MRSL certificate expires, the platform recalculates the product's ZDHC MRSL level using any remaining valid certificates.
- CtZ certification: If a CtZ certificate expires, this does not directly affect the product's valid ZDHC MRSL certification.
When assigning new certificates, ensure that the applicable certification requirements and dependencies are met.
05/ Tips & Notes
Tips:
- Check expiration dates: Track the validity dates of certificates issued by your organisation to identify products approaching expiration.
- Use the current ZDHC MRSL version: Issue new certifications in line with applicable certification requirements and your organisation's approved scope.
- Coordinate with chemical formulators: Encourage chemical formulators to arrange recertification before the existing certificate expires to avoid interruptions to their products' visibility.
- Product publication: ZDHC MRSL Certifiers are responsible for assigning certifications, while Formulators remain responsible for publishing their products in the ZDHC Gateway.