The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and the United States Composting Council (USCC) jointly established the Compostable Plastic Product Certification Program. Products that meet the ASTM D6400-12 or ASTM D6868-11 standards for biodegradability and compostability are awarded the Compostable Logo.

BPI and USCC manage the certification program, with BPI handling administrative tasks and NSF conducting product evaluations. These tasks include, but are not limited to, contract maintenance, fee collection, logo supervision, and educational promotion.

This certification program is limited to assessing whether the applied products comply with the biodegradation and compostability specifications of ASTM D6400-12 or ASTM D6868-11. The program is not intended to replace federal, state, local, or other regulations regarding the sampling, testing, use, or marketing of compostable products.

II. The application procedure is as follows:

1. Application: The applicant submits the following materials to BPI:

(1) A cover letter requesting certification for the product according to the certification program.

(2) Data and materials describing the product.

(3) Test reports demonstrating compliance with ASTM D6400-12 or ASTM D6868-11 standards.

2. Application Review:

(1) Conducted by BPI's Scientific Review Committee.

(2) Upon receipt of the application, determine whether the application documents contain all necessary data.

(3) Review for compliance according to relevant procedures:

Determine whether the product for certification fully meets or exceeds all specifications of ASTM D6400-12 and ASTM D6868-11. The applicant may be instructed to supplement any data deemed necessary for the review.

3. The Review Committee approves or denies the application:

(1) Within 60 days of the applicant's submission or the committee's receipt of any further information, the committee must vote to accept or reject the application.

(2) Approval of the application:

Unanimous approval by three members of the review committee appointed by the chair, or unanimous approval by two of the three members appointed by the chair, plus the chair's consent.

When voting, the review committee shall prepare a specific written statement of reasons for approval or denial and promptly provide copies of this statement to BPI, the applicant, USCC, and the Scientific Review Committee.

4. Certification:

(1) Issuance of certification: After approval, BPI issues the certification to the applicant.

(2) Duration of certification: The certificate and certification are valid for three years. Upon expiration of the three-year term, BPI may reissue the certification.