In early May 2013, the Swedish Federation of Professional Employees (TCO) released its latest smartphone certification standards (TCO Certified Smartphones criteria document). These certification standards, designed with human health and environmental protection in mind, were previously commonly used for monitors, projectors, laptops, and desktop computers. As an international, voluntary certification for brand manufacturers, it enjoys considerable credibility in the computer IT equipment industry and consumer market due to its recognition by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The smartphone certification standards released this time, in addition to the parts that are the same as other product certification standards, include:
– A socially responsible manufacturing environment;
– Environmental protection;
–Ergonomics, health, and safety.
It also added standards specifically for smartphones:
– The phone's surface does not release nickel to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
– Headphones are provided;
– Reduce the use of phthalates that pose risks to human health and the environment;
–Replaceable batteries are required; batteries must not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury.
– Multiple requirements regarding display functionality and quality.
For the full details of the standard, please refer to the attached document, TCO Certified Smartphones 1.0.
Sources: TCO Development (2013-05-06) (Compiled by PIDC)
