Global GreenTag International Updates Standard v4.1 for Recognitions in Green Star®

Important information for manufacturers and suppliers with products under license with Global GreenTag services.

Global GreenTag International (GGTI) has updated Standard v4.1, introducing a number of strengthened requirements developed in connection with the recognition process under the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star® Responsible Products Framework.

The updates strengthen GreenTag requirements relating to chemical transparency, human rights and Modern Slavery issues, and indoor air quality, reinforcing our commitment to rigorous, credible and independently assessed product certification.

The changes were shaped through consultation with GreenTag's National Advisory Committee, and we thank all contributors for their input in developing a transition approach that maintains the integrity of the Standard while providing existing certificate holders with a practical pathway to compliance.

What is changing?

Three key requirements have been strengthened under Standard v4.1:

• Modern Slavery Policy – compliance with a Modern Slavery Policy is now mandatory for all certificate holders, rather than applying only where triggered by legislation.
• Chemical Disclosure Sheet– a publicly available, GHS-aligned Chemical Disclosure Sheet is now a mandatory requirement.
• VOC/TVOC compliance – VOC/TVOC compliance requirements now extend to GreenRate™ Level C interior products.

Transition arrangements for existing certificate holders

GGTI recognises that these changes will affect some existing certificate holders. A structured transition process has therefore been established to support a clear and manageable pathway to compliance.

Modern Slavery Policy and Chemical Disclosure Sheet

• Affected certificate holders will receive written notification from GGTI together with a support pack, including template documentation where applicable.
• Certificate holders will have 28 days from the date of notification to confirm their compliance timeline.
• Modern Slavery Policy adoption compliance is required within 12 months.
• For the Chemical Disclosure Sheet, evidence is due within 12 months, with final publication due by the earlier of the holder's next renewal or 24 months.
• Certificate holders who do not respond within the required notice period will be identified as "transition pending" on the public GreenTag register.

GreenRate™ Level C interior products – VOC/TVOC

• Affected holders have 28 days to confirm a booked testing date, to be completed within 90 days of notice.
• Existing certificates remain valid throughout the transition period, provided holders meet the confirmation step above.
• Certification relevant to the Green Star Responsible Products Framework will be paused until VOC/TVOC compliance is demonstrated.
• Test results are due within 12 months of notice, or before the certificate's next renewal, whichever comes first.
• Products that do not pass testing will have a further 90 days to reformulate and retest before any Green Star-relevant claim is withdrawn.

What does this mean for existing GreenTag clients?

If you hold a current GreenTag certification and any of these changes apply to your certified products, GGTI will contact you directly in writing.

The notification will explain the requirements that apply to you, relevant timeframes and the resources available to support your transition.

Your existing GreenTag certification will remain valid throughout the applicable transition period, provided the required transition steps and timeframes are followed.

For questions about Standard v4.1 or the transition arrangements, please contact:

Dr Nana Bortsie-Aryee
Program Director