Important Update: Changes to the ZDHC Gateway – Chemicals to Zero Implementation from 1 December 2025

We’re excited to announce an important update to the ZDHC Gateway, effective 1 December 2025. After a transitional phase using the Provisionally Progressive status for chemical products, we’re now moving forward — the official Chemicals to Zero Progressive level finally launches in November 2025.

This marks a major milestone in the Chemicals to Zero Programme, driving the industry’s transition towards better, more sustainable chemistry across apparel, footwear, leather, and textiles.

To prepare for this evolution, we’re making several updates to the Gateway to ensure a smooth transition. Once the Progressive level is fully established next year, ZDHC MRSL Approved Certifiers will also be authorised to carry out Chemicals to Zero certifications. From that point, a product’s Progressive status will come directly from the certifier — just like the current MRSL conformance process.

This next step brings us closer to a more connected, transparent, and reliable chemical management system — empowering formulators like you to showcase true progress towards safer chemistry.
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🔹 What Is Changing (Effective 1 December 2025)

• No new Provisionally Progressive assignments:
  It will no longer be possible to assign or self-declare products as Chemicals to Zero – Provisionally Progressive (CtZ-PP).
  
  
• All new certifications will align with Foundational:
  Any certification details added after 1 December by ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifiers will be recognised only at the Chemicals to Zero – Foundational level.
  
  
• Self-declaration options removed:
  The Bulk Self-Declaration tab and the individual Self-Declaration option will be discontinued. Products with unsigned self-declarations will remain Foundational moving forward.
  
  
• Multiple certification alignment:
  If an existing Prov. Progressive certificate is still valid, and a new Foundational certificate is added, the product’s Chemicals to Zero Conformance Level will remain Prov. Progressive until the former expires.
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🔹 What Stays the Same

• All existing Chemicals to Zero Conformance Levels (Foundational or Provisionally Progressive) will remain unchanged.
  
  
• Product visibility, search, and filtering options in the Gateway will continue as usual.
  
  
• ChemCheck and InCheck reports will still reflect current CtZ conformance levels.
  
  

🔹 Actions Before 1 December 2025

Formulators who have products eligible for Chemicals to Zero – Provisionally Progressive may still complete self-declarations before 1 December. After this date, self-declaration options will no longer be available, and products without a signed declaration will remain Foundational.
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🔹 What Happens Next

No further action will be required after the change. All existing product data, certifications, and conformance levels will remain intact and visible in the Gateway.

For more information and guidance, please visit the ZDHC Knowledge Base.

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