The Global Electronics Council (GEC) has launched a public consultation on EPEAT Renew, a proposed sustainability certification designed specifically for refurbished ICT equipment.

If adopted, EPEAT Renew would become the first internationally recognized Type 1 eco-label dedicated to refurbished electronics. The initiative initially targets refurbished laptops, with plans to extend the framework to additional product categories such as smartphones, printers, servers, networking equipment, and storage systems.

The move comes as demand for refurbished technology continues to rise across both public and private sectors. Governments, enterprises, and procurement organizations are increasingly integrating circular economy objectives into their purchasing strategies. However, the refurbished market still faces challenges related to inconsistent quality standards, varying refurbishment practices, and limited consumer confidence.

To address these issues, EPEAT Renew proposes a standardized set of requirements covering key refurbishment processes, including device inspection, repair, cleaning, firmware updates, secure data erasure, battery evaluation, and warranty provisions. Participating refurbishers would also be required to maintain certified quality and environmental management systems.

Among the proposed eligibility criteria, only products that were originally registered under the EPEAT program during their first lifecycle would qualify for EPEAT Renew certification. The draft framework also recommends restricting replacement components to original parts or manufacturer-approved compatible alternatives.

According to GEC, the introduction of an independently verified certification could improve transparency across the refurbished ICT market. By providing a clear benchmark for quality and sustainability, the organization believes the label could help buyers make more informed purchasing decisions while strengthening confidence in refurbished products.

The consultation period remains open until 21 June 2026, giving stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment on both the proposed criteria and the supporting research. Following the consultation, GEC will evaluate the feedback received before determining the next steps in the development of the certification program.

The organization is encouraging participation from stakeholders across the circular technology ecosystem, including refurbishers, repair providers, recyclers, ICT vendors, manufacturers, government bodies, procurement professionals, and civil society organizations.