What are the criteria for environmental labeling?

  • Graciele da Mata Massaretti Dias Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL

Abstract

The debate involving commerce and environment is one of the most recurring themes in the agenda of multilateral system for commerce. Concerning this issue we have, on the one hand, environmental labels being heralded as protectors of the environment and, on the other hand, as a protectionist measure. The borders between environmental measures that primarily aim at protecting the environment, and protectionist measures are not yet clear. Thus, in the present study, the legitimacy of the criteria for the concession of environmental labels is analyzed. The method used was deductive-logic. The study was based on the literature and official documents, especially from Brazil, the United States and European Union, concerning the main barriers to Brazilian exports. It has been observed that the majority of environmental labeling programs are not always based on objective and scientific criteria, which makes their concession difficult to comply with by foreign candidates.

Author Biography

Graciele da Mata Massaretti Dias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL
Pós-graduanda em Direito Internacional e Econômico pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina – UEL, Londrina (PR), Brasil.
Published
2008-08-13
Section
Environment