An EMS establishes a framework for structured and efficient environmental work, enabling organizations to consistently improve their environmental performance. The system is based on the international standard ISO 14001, the most widely adopted environmental management system globally. The standard is used by manufacturing industries, service companies, and public sector organizations. Many organizations see a rapid return on investment through reduced costs for waste, energy, and resource use. Support from management and leadership is crucial for the EMS to function optimally.
Certification provides organizations with proof that they operate in accordance with applicable environmental laws and standards. Swedac accredits the bodies that certify and audit organizations to ensure they have a functioning EMS in place and that it is actively implemented.
Requirements and guidance documents
Emas III
Specific documents for the accreditation scheme
Requirements that must be met for accreditation to be granted
(EC) No 1221/2009 EMAS | Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS)
(EU) 2023/2463 EMAS Users Guide | User Guide for EMAS
SS-EN ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 | Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems – Part 1: Requirements (ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015)
Instructions and guidance for fulfilling accreditation requirements
2011/832/EU | Guidance on global registration
Acceptance criteria for objects/systems/persons assessed by the accredited body
(EC) No 1221/2009 EMAS | Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS)
General documents for the type of control
Requirements that must be met for accreditation to be granted
IAF MD 1:2023 | IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization
IAF MD 11:2023 | IAF Mandatory Document for the Application of ISO/IEC 17021-1 for Audits of Integrated Management Systems
IAF MD 2:2023 | IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems
IAF MD 23:2023 | Control of Entities Operating on Behalf of Accredited Management Systems Certification Bodies
IAF MD 28:2023 | IAF Mandatory Document for the Upload and Maintenance of Data on the IAF Database
IAF MD 4:2025 | IAF Mandatory Document for the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Auditing/Assessment Purposes
SS-EN ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 | Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems – Part 1: Requirements (ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015)
STAFS 2020:1 | Swedac’s regulations and general guidelines on accreditation
Instructions and guidance for fulfilling accreditation requirements
IAF ID 3:2011 | IAF Informative Document for the Management of Extraordinary Events or Circumstances Affecting ABs, CABs and Certified Organizations
IAF PL 8:2023 | Rules for the Use of the IAF Logo
IAF PL 9:2023 | General Principles for the Use of the IAF CERTSEARCH Mark
SWEDAC DOC 10:5 | Guidance for information security work
SWEDAC DOC 20:1 | Swedac’s policy for reference to accreditation