Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 on the use of Environmental Footprint methods
The current Commission Recommendation establishes the Product Environmental Footprint and Organisation Environmental Footprint methods and the role of product- and sector-specific rules.
- 1Annex I contains the PEF method; Annex III contains the OEF method.
- 2PEFCRs add product-category-specific lifecycle rules and should be used where one exists.
- 3The methods provide modelling, calculation, reporting and verification rules across the lifecycle.
- 4The Recommendation is not itself mandatory legislation, but EU law or policy may reference it.
- 5A corrigendum was published on 23 May 2022.
Overview
The current Commission Recommendation establishes the Product Environmental Footprint and Organisation Environmental Footprint methods and the role of product- and sector-specific rules.
Core points from the official source
The points below are an editorially structured reading aid based on the localized source record. They are not quotations; consult the official document for exact wording and context.
- Annex I contains the PEF method; Annex III contains the OEF method.
- PEFCRs add product-category-specific lifecycle rules and should be used where one exists.
- The methods provide modelling, calculation, reporting and verification rules across the lifecycle.
- The Recommendation is not itself mandatory legislation, but EU law or policy may reference it.
- A corrigendum was published on 23 May 2022.
How to use this document and assess applicability
Use this law or policy document to locate relevant scope, definitions, dates and responsibilities. Legal effect may differ by instrument, and product-specific measures may still be needed before a requirement can be applied.
For an applicability decision, match the official scope against the product, target market, economic-operator role and relevant date. Record assumptions and obtain specialist advice where interpretation carries material risk.
Review checklist
Before relying on this material for a policy or compliance decision:
- Confirm the issuer, document title and identifier against the official source.
- Open the official source and check the current version, attachments, corrections and later updates.
- Distinguish binding legal text from policy planning, implementation guidance, news and research.
- Map the core points to the specific product, market and value-chain role, and record matters that still need verification.
- Record the review date and version used, and reassess the conclusion when the source changes.
Source and editorial information
- Category: Law and policy
- Issuer: European Commission
- Document: Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 on the use of Environmental Footprint methods
- Identifier: CELEX 32021H2279
- DPP Lens review date: July 20, 2026
Open the official source
Editorial note
Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 remains the current published recommendation as of 20 July 2026. A future update should not be presented as adopted until officially published.
Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 remains the current published recommendation as of 20 July 2026. A future update should not be presented as adopted until officially published.
DPP Lens provides operational interpretation, not legal advice or an official conformity assessment. Always rely on the linked official text.
Other official-source briefs connected to this topic.