CERTIFICATION RULES NF MARK - PLASTIC WASTE SACKS · NF 082 Rev.19 NF-Plastic waste sacks August...

CERTIFICATION RULES

NF MARK - PLASTIC WASTE SACKS

AFNOR Certification identification no: NF 082 Ref. written by PO/EG - LNE

Review no. 19 – August 2018Approved by AFNOR Certification: August 27th 2018

First applied: July 1983

Reference document:GENERAL RULES OF THE NF MARKApproved by the President of AFNOR on 23 April 2012

ONLY THE FRENCH VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS THE AUTHENTIC TEXT

NF 082 Rev. 19NF-Plastic waste sacks August 2018

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Founded in 1938, the NF mark is a collective certification mark, with the object of certifying the compliance of products with national, European and international standard documents covering them, and which may be complemented by additional specifications, in conditions defined by the certification reference standards. It is granted by AFNOR Certification and its network of partner bodies, making up the NF network.

The NF mark is a voluntary product certification mark; it satisfies the requirements of the Code de la Consommation, notably by associating the interested parties with the validation of the certification reference standards, by defining marking rules for certified products and by clear and transparent communication on the main characteristics certified.

The right to use the NF mark is granted on the basis of compliance with one (or more) standard(s) and more generally to the whole certification reference standard, for a product coming from an applicant and a designated design and/or manufacturing and/or marketing process. Attribution of the right to use cannot in any circumstances substitute LNE’s responsibility for that which is legally incumbent upon the company holding the right to use the NF mark.

The NF mark checks the characteristics covering the safety of persons and goods, the suitability for use and the durability of products, as well as any additional characteristics enabling products to be distinguished in the market.

In accordance with the General Rules of the NF mark, AFNOR Certification entrusts the management of the NF Plastic Waste Sack mark to LNE, known as the mandated certifying body.

LNE is responsible to AFNOR Certification for operations which are entrusted to it and are covered by a contract with AFNOR Certification.

Reminder*:It is specified that all products or services must satisfy the regulations, independently of any certification application, concerning for example forgery, compliance and safety requirements, etc.


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Who should you contact?LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE METROLOGIE ET D'ESSAIS (LNE)Pôle Certification Plurisectorielle1, rue Gaston Boissier - 75724 PARIS CEDEX 15 -FranceWebsite: www.lne.fr

Your contact: Pauline OlivierTel. 01 40 43 38 31Fax. 01 40 43 37 37e-mail: [email protected]

PART 1

What are the NF-marked products? Scope Marking, benefits gained

certification

PART 2Which requirements need to be met?- For the product- For the quality

management system- For the marking

PART 3

How is certification obtained?

Application Process for obtaining certification

PART 4

After certification? Monitoring Modifications and development

PART 5

Who are the participants?Mandated bodyLaboratoriesAuditorMark

PART 6

What is the cost? Applicable Terms of payment

APPLICANTHOLDER


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The documents applicable in this certification are:- the general rules of the NF mark laying down the general organisation and

conditions of use of the mark,- these certification rules which define, in part 2, the technical characteristics to be

respected.

These certification rules were submitted for the approval of AFNOR Certification for acceptance in the NF certification system. They were approved by the Legal Representative of AFNOR Certification.

They cancel and replace all previous versions.

Hence the certification rules can be revised, in part or in whole, by LNE after consultation with the interested parties.

UPDATING

Certification rules Reason for update Revision Date

Part 1:Scope, NF Marking

Definition of a bachRev. 19 August

2018Part 2:Quality requirements to be observed by the manufacturer

Deleting acclimatisation testUpdating of the marking of biodegradability bagsDetailing marking of primary packaging

Rev. 19 August2018

Part 3:Obtaining certification Updating of the forms

Updating definitionsDeleting types of biodegradability bagsUpdating technical file for a first

Rev. 19 August2018

Part 4:Certified product surveillance process -Modifications and development

Adding of light annual samplingChanging the rule for the launch of adding partial testUpdating the annual review

Rev. 19 August2018

Part 5:Participating organisations

Updating of the composition of the mark committee Rev. 19 August2018

Part 6:Applicable fees –Terms of payment

/ Rev. 19 August 2018

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 1

SCOPE – NF MARKING

CONTENTS

1.1 Scope

1.2 Definitions

1.3 NF marking

1.4 Certified products

Rev. 19 – August 2018

NF 082 Rev.19NF-Plastic waste sacks August 2018

Part 1 - page 2

1.1. SCOPE

The products covered by the NF certification rules are:Sacks for the collection of household waste, except for the separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling- Sacks for collection of waste (opacity 60%)- Sacks for selective collection of waste (opacity 40%)

Sacks for separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recyclingSacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection - opacity < 20%- opacity 50%

This set of sacks exists with standard ties, sliding ties or with straps (t-shirt sack),

The NF Waste Sack Mark is applicable for sacks for which the first use is for household waste collection or household selective waste collection.

The applicant manufacturer undertakes to ensure that the mode of distribution, presentation and marketing of the sacks does not create any confusion for the consumer on the certified use of sacks certified NF waste sacks.

It is the responsibility of the applicant/holder to ensure that the regulations applicable to its product are adhered to (e.g.: CE marking).

The applicant/holder is solely responsible for the compliance of its products; LNE inspections cannot replace the responsibilities of the applicant/holder.

1.2. DEFINITIONS

Applicant/Holder: Artificial Person who manages and/or is responsible for compliance with all of the requirements defined in these certification rules of the NF Mark.These requirements cover at least the following stages: design, manufacture, assembly, quality control, marking, packaging and putting on the market, and specify the critical points at each stage.If the applicant/holder is not established in the European Community they should appoint an agent.

Authorised agent:Artificial or Natural Person established in the European Economic Area (E.E.A.) who acts as representative of the applicant/holder outside the E.E.A. and has a written mandate from the latter meaning that he can act in its name in the NF mark certification process according to the provisions of the certification rules.The authorised agent may also be the distributor, or the importer of the certified products, in which case their different functions are clearly identified.

Distributor:Artificial Person distributing the applicant’s/holder’s or its authorised agent’s products who does not act upon the product or its packaging. If the distributor puts NF products on the market independently of the agent, he takes responsibility for the verification of the conformity with the NF certification rules and the applicable standards.


Part 1 - page 3

1.3. NF MARKING

The NF Mark is materialised by the NF monogram conforming to the specimen below:

The graphics rules for the NF mark are available on request from LNE.

The marking conditions for products, packaging and technical and commercial documents are defined in Part 2.

The purpose of the marking rules is to guide the holder in how to meet the regulations and the requirements of the NF certification. The general rules of the NF mark specify the conditions of use, of validity and the penalties in the event of abusive use of the NF mark.

Without prejudice of the sanctions laid down in the General Rules of the NF mark, any incorrect announcement of the certified features and any fraudulent use of the NF logo expose the holder to lawsuits for fraud and/or misleading advertising.

1.4. CERTIFIED PRODUCTS

A list of the certified products is available via the certificate search engine on the www.lne.fr,in the section entitled "Certification", "Certified companies/products", "Product certificates issued by LNE".

On request, LNE can provide information regarding the validity of a given certificate.

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 2

REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY THE APPLICANT/HOLDER

CONTENTS

2.1. Requirements concerning products

2.2. Requirements concerning the quality management system

2.3. Requirements concerning marking

2.4. Applicant's/holder's commitments



Part 2 – page 2

2.1. – REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING PRODUCTS

2.1.1. REFERENCE STANDARDS

NF EN 13592 (April 2017) Plastic sacks for collection of household waste - Types, requirements and test methods

NF X 30-501 (December 2006) Packaging of medical waste – Sacks for soft medical waste presenting a risk of infection–Specifications and test methods

NF EN 13432 (November 2000) Packaging – Requirements relating to recyclable packaging by composting and biodegradation – Test programme and criteria for assessing the final acceptance of packaging

2.1.2. FURTHER GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1.2.1. Technical specifications

Features Specifications –Methods

Sack design: visual inspection, seam centring, or verification of cut-out on sides

Edges perpendicular to sack generating lines, no visible faults (tears, agglomerates, etc.)For tie-sacks: When the punch hole is in the middle of the upper hem of the sack, the distances measured between each edge of the punch hole and the inside welds at each side of the sack shall not have more than 15% of the nominal width (with a maximum of 100 mm) of difference and the punch hole cutting shall have a diameter of at least 30 cm.When the punch holes are on the sides of the sack, the cuttings shall be at least 20 cm at each side.Acceptance criterion for punch hole measurement: there must be no defective sack among the 10 sacks subjected to the test.

Drop test During drop testing follow up: the tests are stopped after 10 non-conformingdrops.

Thickness The diameter of the flat finger used by LNE 10 mm.

The formula applying to the minimum individual thickness according to the standard is applied to the maximum thickness for NF Environment certification.

By default, for methodby weighing, the density value is 0.92, unless a different figure is specified by the manufacturer.

In the LNE test report, if the mean thickness measurement is measured by the gravimetric method (by weighing):

- the minimum value is indicated by “NA” if the individual minimum value measured by the micrometer is higher than the value obtained by weighing,

- the minimum value is indicated by the minimum value measured with the micrometer if the latter is equal to or less than the value measured by weighing.

Opacity Precision on the standard appliance a) of the NF EN 13592 standard (April2017)

On the standard appliance a) the diameter of the space between the cell and the strip (blue area in the diagram below) is 44 mm ± 2 mm.


Part 2 – page 3

Specifications for sacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection- Opacity acceptance criteria: A sack is declared acceptable if: . for a sack described as opaque, the individual measurement 0 of the

opacity of each strip is > 50% - 5% and if the arithmetic average of the opacity measurements of the 10 strips is 50%

. for a sack described as translucent, the individual measurement 0 of the opacity of each strip is < 20 + 5% and if the arithmetic average of the opacity measurements of the 10 strips is 20%.

The 10 sacks submitted for the test must be declared acceptable.

2.1.2.2. Dimensional specifications

Sacks with standard ties (usable width / usable length)

Sacks with sliding ties (usable width / usable length)

Sacks with straps (t-shirt sacks) (usable width / usable

length)

400/400 400/350 /

/ 450/550 450/600

450/500 450/450 450/500

500/700 500/650 500/650

540/650 540/650

/ 500/750 /

680/800 680/750 680/700

820/950 820/900 /

700/1100 700/1050 /

820/1200 / /


Part 2 – page 4

2.1.2.3. Specifications for sacks with straps

Features Specifications –Methods

Usable width (l = ½ perimeter at the opening)

see para. 2.1.2.2. With a tolerance of +/-2.5% of the declared value.

Usable length (L = Length of the sack without the straps)

see para. 2.1.2.2. With a tolerance of +/-2.5% of the declared value.

Minimum length of the straps (h in mm)

The minimum length, corresponding to the distance between the weld at the top of the strap and the top of the sack: 130 mm

Minimum distance between the straps (in mm)

100 mm for a sack with straps - 450/500 130 mm for a sack with straps - 500/650150 mm for a sack with straps - 540/650200 mm for a sack with straps - 680/700

L (usable length)

h (strap length)O

l (usable width) = ½ P at the


Part 2 – page 5

2.1.3. FURTHER TEST METHODS FOR SACKS WITH STRAPS

2.1.3.1. Tests

The tests carried out on sacks with straps are performed according to the NF EN 13592 standard with the following additional clauses:- “tensile strength of the tie” test: The strap in its totality (all the films making up the strap)

is considered as the tie for closing the sack and is tested according to the modalities of Para. 7.2.7.1 of the NF EN 13592 standard

2.1.3.2. Marking

The marking of sacks with straps should comply with the specifications currently required for the other types of waste sacks (part 2 Para. 2.3.) With a specific visible indication of the limitation of use: “Sack with straps for the collection of domestic waste”.


Part 2 – page 6

2.2. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

2.2.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The manufacturer's quality system for products concerned by the application of this mark must comply with NF EN ISO 9001 (2008) - quality management systems - requirements.

4. Quality management system4.1. General requirements4.2. General documentation requirements5. Management responsibility 5.1. Management commitment 5.3. Quality policy5.4. Planning5.5.1. Responsibility and authority5.5.2. Management Representative5.6. Management review6.1. Provision of resources6.2. Human resources6.3. Infrastructure6.4. Work environment7. Product realisation7.1. Planning product realisation7.2. Customer-related processes 7.3. Design and development7.4. Purchasing7.5. Production and service provision7.5.1. Control of service preparation and production 7.5.2. Validation of processes for production and service provision7.5.3. Identification and traceability7.5.5. Preservation of the product7.6. Control of monitoring and measuring equipment8. Measurement analysis and improvement 8.1. General8.2. Monitoring and measuring8.2.2. Internal audit8.2.3. Monitoring and measurement of processes8.2.4. Product monitoring and measurement 8.3. Control of Nonconforming Product8.4. Analysis of data (points b, c, d) 8.5.2. Corrective actions8.5.3. Preventive actions

None of the explicit requirements referring to notions of "continual improvement" are taken into account


Part 2 – page 7

2.2.2. SPECIFIC QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

2.2.2.1. Planning of product realisation - Para. 7.1 of standard ISO 9001

During planning of production realisation, the manufacturer must take into account points a –b – c and d of Para. 7.1. of the standard.

2.2.2.2. Purchasing – Para. 7.4 of standard ISO 9001

Subcontracting operations are governed by the following principles:

- they are authorised between holders of the Mark (the manufacturer who performs the subcontracting must be accepted for the references of the sacks and the nominal thickness concerned) and incorporate the subcontracting of semi-finished products,

- The holder applying for subcontracting is responsible for conformity of NF certified products according to the provisions of the Certification regulations, knowing that in case of nonconformity, the necessary verifications are undertaken at the manufacturer’s or the applicant for subcontracting site, depending on the quality arrangements adopted for this subcontracting;

- Subcontracting operations shall be clearly registered as such on control registers of the manufacturer and of the person applying for subcontracting (batch no. and identification of the manufacturer applying for subcontracting) as well as the tonnage declaration form;

- the orders must clearly describe the product ordered (reference, thickness, characteristics techniques, quantities, lead times, etc.) make reference to the technical specifications in the specifications and define, if necessary, the request for communication of the analysis certificate .

Operations of commercial distribution are not looked at in this chapter by this measure.

2.2.2.3. Verification of purchased product - Para. 7.4.3. of standard ISO 9001

The manufacturer must check the quality of raw materials used in the manufacture of products for which he holds the right to use the NF Mark:

For example, defined and regular inspections on reception or certificate of conformity with suppliers' technical specifications or general specifications.


Part 2 – page 8

Non-biodegradable sacks:

The manufacturer is free to choose which raw materials he uses but for each batch (granules or powder) 1supplied, the extruder shall:

- ask the producer of materials for a measurement result of the melt flow index, or

- carry out its own fluidity index inspection.or

- hold a certificate proving conformity: . with the technical specifications of the supplieror. with his specific statement of requirements (with defined tolerances)

- check the fitness for use of the manufactured sacks by regular and suitable testing,especially when raw materials or suppliers are changed.

Biodegradable sacks:

The manufacturer only uses the formulation and raw materials covered by his certificate of the right to use the NF mark. For each batch (granules or powder) (*) supplied, the extruder shall:

- ask the producer of materials for a measurement result of the melt flow index, or

- carry out its own fluidity index inspection.or

- hold a certificate proving conformity: . with the technical specifications of the supplieror. with his specific statement of requirements (with defined tolerances)

- check the fitness for use of the manufactured sacks by regular and suitable testing, especially when raw materials or suppliers are changed.

(*) "A batch of raw materials corresponds to the homogeneous quantity of identified raw material obtained by the supplier in a homogenization silo.

Closure ties

For each type of tie, the manufacturer will carry out a test on at least 5% of reels of each batch received. Samples will be dispatched on the batch.

In case of nonconformity for one of the reels taken during tensile strength test, another sample shall be taken on the batch in order to determine whether it shall be refused or partially accepted after selection.

1 "A batch of raw materials corresponds to the homogeneous quantity of identified raw material obtained by the supplier in a homogenization silo.


Part 2 – page 9

Note: Provided that:- the purchase specifications for ties stipulate the requirements of the certification

regulations, - the tie supplier carries out inspections and on delivery provides an analysis report

confirming the conformity of the ties with these requirements,- the latest delivery of ties confirmed that the deliveries conform to these requirements,

The manufacturer can put in place reduced monitoring on receipt of these closing ties, with a frequency that it up to him to define.

These simplified monitoring operations are only applicable for a manufacturer who is already a holder of the NF-Plastic waste sacks Mark

Records must be made of inspections carried out indicating the acceptance criteria and decisions taken in the event of nonconformity.

2.2.2.4. Identification and traceability - Para. 7.5.3 of standard ISO 9001

The manufacturer must prepare instructions for identifying the product with marking that conforms to the requirements of Para. 2.3. below,

marking in conformity with requirements of part 2 of these regulations,

definition of the range of traceability in order to find back the information concerning manufacturing and control of each batch, the definition of batch having to be indicated in the manufacturer’s quality documents.

Batch coding must be defined (date, code) by the manufacturer and provide traceability to material batches used and to registers of receiving, in-process and final product inspections carried out.

Traceability is a requirement of the NF mark. Consequently, the measures defined in standard ISO 9001 concerning unique identification of the product must be taken into account.

This identification must guarantee traceability and allow the history of the product to be traced.

2.2.2.5. Preservation of the product - Para. 7.5.5. of ISO 9001

The manufacturer must prepare instructions for handling, storage, packaging, preservation and delivery.

StorageThe manufacturer shall use designated storage areas or premises to avoid the damaging or the deterioration of the product pending its use or delivery.To detect any deterioration, the condition of the product in stock shall be evaluated at appropriate and defined intervals.


Part 2 – page 10

PackagingThe manufacturer must manage the packaging, packing and marking processes, insofar as necessary to ensure compliance with specified requirements.

2.2.2.6. Control of monitoring and measuring equipment - Para. 7.6 of standard ISO 9001

Requirements a, b, c, d and e of the standard must be taken into account for inspection and test equipment likely to have an influence on tests carried out for NF mark purposes.

Inspection, measurement and test equipment must be used in such a way that measurement uncertainty is known and compatible with the required capability for measuring purposes.

2.2.2.7. Product monitoring and measurement - Para. 8.2.4. of standard ISO 9001

During planning of product realisation, the manufacturer must take into account points c and d of Para. 7.1. of the standard.

The inspection plan set up must guarantee the conformity of the products with the specifications of Para. 2.1. As a minimum requirement the following characteristics must be inspected:

2.2.2.7.1. For non-biodegradable and biodegradable sacks for household waste and sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection

A) Manufacture in two stages: extrusion then transformation

Extrusion inspection:

The manufacturer must check supplies of sheathing or film according to the conditions set out in the table below.

FeaturesNumber of dimensions

to be checkedMinimum frequency /number of test pieces

Thickness (*) Measurements regularly dispatched on the bubble perimeter

A test for each bubble reel used

Width or half perimeter One at the end A measurement for each bubble reel used

Opacity At the ends 2 measurements for each bubble reel

(*) Minimum and maximum thicknesses can be determined with a profilometer; the average thickness can be calculated from the material mass per unit area or density.


Part 2 – page 11

Reduced inspection methods (only acceptable if the manufacturer has proved extrusion reliability by a series of internal measurements and supplied elements to LNE who validated them in return):If several coils are manufactured during an extrusion series with the same formula and controlled extrusion and formulation conditions, the following shortened inspection can be set up:

- opacity and dimension inspection at the start of extrusion (and after an extrusion problem) and/or at each shift change,

- a dimension check half-way through the extrusion series, with precise identification of each coil and all the necessary records for total traceability.

Transformation inspection:

- For each NF production and for each line, a sample is taken:

o at the start of manufacture (or at each formulation or reference change),

o after each shift change (likely to have an effect on the characteristics of the sack: machine shutdown, etc. to be defined by the manufacturer),

- the following table indicates the tests that must be carried out on the sample,

- In addition, an inspection of the welding and dimensions is carried out every hour for each line

The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that his inspections are suitable for the type of equipment (number of seal bars, etc.).

Sampling Tests

1 sack per line Visual inspection (appearance, marking)Opacity measurement (1)Inspection of centring of seam or side cut-out, inspection of seam sealing and tie sealing (2).

Inspection of the hem weld and the strap weld (3)

1 sack per line Dimensions: length - width - thickness (4)Welding

2 sacks per line Drop test

1 sack per line Damp waste resistance test

1 sack per line Abrupt suspension test for sacks with sliding ties and sacks with straps

(1) If a manufacturer has facilities for continuous opacity inspection and can prove their efficiency to LNE, the opacity inspection on the finished product (sack) is not necessary.

(2) Only for tie-sacks

(3) Only for sacks with straps

(4) The minimum and maximum thickness can be determined using a profile meter and the average thickness calculated from the weight per surface area and density of the material.

If discrepancies are detected during the inspection, other than thickness greater than tolerance levels, the manufacturing conditions must be corrected and the sacks produced previously must be discarded.After correction of these manufacturing conditions, a new sample must be taken for inspection.


Part 2 – page 12

Reduced inspection methods (only acceptable if the manufacturer has proved transformation and extrusion reliability and supplied elements to LNE who validated them in return):

If the transformation series uses a series of coils from the same extrusion series and if the transformation conditions are controlled, the following shortened inspection can be set up:

For each line, the quality control department conducts:

- an inspection (performing of tests of the previous table):

- at the start of manufacture (or at each formulation or reference change),

- after each shift change (likely to have an effect on the characteristics of the sack: machine shutdown, etc. to be defined by the manufacturer),

- an inspection of the weldings and dimensions at an adapted frequency (the frequency of every hour remaining advised).

If discrepancies are detected during the inspection, other than thickness greater than tolerance levels, the manufacturing conditions must be corrected and the sacks produced previously must be discarded.

After correction of these manufacturing conditions, a new sample must be taken for inspection.

B) MANUFACTURE IN ONE STAGE: LINE PRODUCTION

- For each NF production and for each line, a sample is taken:

o at the start of manufacture (or at each formulation or reference change),

o after each shift change (likely to have an effect on the characteristics of the sack: machine shutdown, etc. to be defined by the manufacturer),

- the following table indicates the tests that must be carried out on the sample,

- In addition, an inspection of the welding and dimensions is carried out every hour for each line

The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that his inspections are suitable for the type of equipment (number of seal bars, etc.).

Sampling Tests

1 sack per line Visual inspection (appearance, marking)Opacity measurement (1)Inspection of centring of seam or side cut-out, inspection of seam sealing and tie sealing (2).

Inspection of the hem weld and the strap weld (3)

1 sack per line Dimensions: - length - width - thickness (4)Weldings

2 sacks per line Drop test

1 sack per line Damp waste resistance test

1 sack per line Abrupt suspension test (2)

(1) If a manufacturer has facilities for continuous opacity inspection and can prove their efficiency to LNE, the opacity inspection on the finished product (sack) is not necessary.

(2) Only for sacks with sliding ties and straps

(3) Only for sacks with straps

(4) The minimum and maximum thickness can be determined using a profile meter and the average thickness calculated from the weight per surface area and density of the material.


Part 2 – page 13

If discrepancies are detected during the inspection, other than thickness greater than tolerance levels, the manufacturing conditions must be corrected and the sacks produced previously must be discarded.

After correction of these manufacturing conditions, a new sample must be taken for inspection.

2.2.2.7.2. For sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection

The manufacturer must carry out tear strength tests at defined regularity.

The manufacturer must define the list of raw materials used in the composition of the sack and regularly verify the suitability of use of the sack, especially with new suppliers and raw material references.

2.2.2.7.3. For closing ties made by the holder

For each type of tie, the manufacturer will carry out a test on at least 5% of reels of each batch manufactured. Samples will be dispatched on the batch.

In case of nonconformity for one of the reels taken during tensile strength test, another sample shall be taken on the batch in order to determine whether it shall be refused or partially accepted after selection.

Records must be made of inspections carried out indicating the acceptance criteria and decisions taken in the event of nonconformity.

2.2.2.8. Control of nonconforming products - Para. 8.3. of standard ISO 9001

The manufacturer must deal with a nonconforming NF-marked product in one of the following ways:

- by taking measures to eliminate the nonconformity,

- by authorising its use, release or acceptance with a waiver: in this case, the contents of the waiver and its justification must be recorded

- by taking measures to prevent its use (scrapping for example).

2.2.2.9. Corrective actions - Para. 8.5.2 of standard ISO 9001

Records indicating complaints made against certified products and their processing must be made and kept.


Part 2 – page 14

2.3. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING MARKING

Marking is an integral part of the certification of a product.

Beyond the identification of a certified product and its traceability, the marking of a product with the NF logo ensures better protection of the users and enables holders to be protected against unauthorised use and forgery.

Without prejudice of the sanctions laid down in the General Rules of the NF mark, any incorrect announcement of the certified features and any fraudulent use of the NF logo expose the holder to lawsuits for fraud and/or misleading advertising.

Copying of and marking with the logos of AFNOR, AFNOR Certification, and LNE is strictly forbidden without prior authorisation from these bodies.

The holder undertakes to respect the graphics rules of the NF mark.

The NF certified product must bear a designation and identification distinct from non-NF certified products. The holder must only use the NF logo to distinguish NF certified products, without risk of any possible confusion with other products, particularly with non-NF certified products.

It is recommended that the holder submit all of the documents relating to the NF mark to LNE beforehand.

REMINDER:Article R 433-2 of the French Consumer Code stipulates that:"When reference is made to certification in advertising, labelling or presentation of any product or service or in associated commercial documents of any kind, the following information must always be brought to the consumer's or user's attention:

the name or corporate name of the certifying body or the collective certification mark,

the denomination of the certification reference standard used,

the modalities according to which the certification reference standard can be consulted or obtained."

2.3.1. SACK MARKING

Every certified product should be visibly and permanently marked with the NF logo in accordance with the requirements of the graphics charter, and in compliance with the specific standards and regulations in force.

Non-biodegradable and biodegradable sacks for household waste must be marked with the following wording required by standard NF EN 13592.

Sacks for soft waste involving risk of infection must comply with the colour and marking requirements set out in standard NF X 30-501 (especially para. 5.1.3. and para. 7).

In addition to this wording, sacks for which the NF mark licence is held must be marked with the wording listed below contained in a bordered area known as the "standards information" area (according to the examples on pages 21 to 26).


Part 2 – page 15

The standards information area must appear on one or two sides of the sack in a clear, permanent manner making it easily legible with the naked eye (minimum character height: 4 mm)

The standards information area, characters used and the NF monogram must be reproduced either identically or in larger dimensions with the same the homothetic ratio.

If work is subcontracted, the sacks must be marked with the subcontracting requester's number.

The characters must be at least 4 mm tall. The dimensions of the NF monogram and the information in the standards information area must not be less than the examples shown below.

The tables below list the wording that must appear in and outside the standards information area placed on the sacks. The standards information area envelope obtained should be similar to the standards information areas presented as an exemple after these tables.


Part 2 – page 16

Marking Sacks for the collection of household

waste, except for the separate collection of biodegradable waste

Sacks for separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic

recycling

Sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection

1 Monogram

2 Product name "Sacs à déchets"For selective collection sacks, add the wording "Pour collecte sélective".For drawtight sacks add the wording "lien coulissant"For sacks with straps add "à bretelles"

"Sacs biodégradables"For drawtight sacks add the wording "lien coulissant"

"Sacs à DASRI"For drawtight sacks add the wording "lien coulissant"

3 Wording"Solidité vérifiée NF EN 13592"

"Solidité vérifiée NF EN 13592"NF EN 13432CLASS X

"Solidité vérifiée NF X 30-501"

4 Opacity indication For collection sacks: “Opacité supérieure à 60%”For selective collection sacks: “Opacité inférieure à 40%”

“Opacité supérieure à 50%” or “Opacité inférieure à 20%”

5 Reference (dimensions in mm) Sack reference according to these certification regulations part 2 Para. 2.1.2.2. and 2.1.2.3.E.g.: "500/700"

Sack reference according to standard NF X 30 501 and these certification regulations, part 2 - para. 2.1.2.2.

6 Authorisation identification number

Authorisation identification number, which includes:. the company number.. the production plant number,

This identification number is assigned by LNE at the time of notification of the right to use the NF mark for a model.

7 Date of manufacture, day and year

The date of manufacture (day, year) in clear form (e.g.: "254/0") or in code form. (the code key should then be given to LNE).

If batches can be identified by the week, date marking by indication of the week is authorised.

It is acceptable, if necessary for technical reasons, to mark the date of manufacture or its code outside the information area. In this case, no information appears at the place reserved for the date in the information area.


Part 2 – page 17

The table below lists the wording that must appear outside the standards information area:

Marking Sacks for the collection of household

waste, except for the separate collection of biodegradable waste

Sacks for separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic

recycling


8 Nominal thicknessThe nominal thickness of the manufactured and commercialised sack must be written in full text on the sack outside the standards information area.

ex.: " épaisseur nominale: x µm" or "30 µm".

The nominal thickness of the manufactured and commercialised sack must be greater than or equal to the minimum thickness indicate on the certificate.

9 Sack closing system400/400 450/500

"La fermeture doit être effectuée, au minimum à 50 mm de la gueule du sac" or "La fermeture doit être effectuée, au minimum à 5 cm de la gueule du sac"

500/700540/700680/800820/950700/1100820/1200

"La fermeture doit être effectuée, au minimum à 100 mm de la gueule du sac " or "La fermeture doit être effectuée, au minimum à 10 cm de la gueule du sac".

On request of the customer, the word "gueule" may be replaced by the word "ouverture".

Specific features Marking mentioning the use of the sack if it is intended for selective collection: "Sacs à déchets pour collecte sélective"

The sack marking shall not contain anallegation relating to the composting and / or biodegradability of the sacks.

The class indicated on biodegradable sacks depends on the test results and the classification given in part 2 Para. 2.1.3.2.The classes are from 1 to 5, the wording "Collecte du sac au maximum X jours après le début de son remplissage"

These sacks must comply with the colour and marking requirements of standard NF X 30-501 (para. 6.3 and para. 11)

The marking for sack shall be realised following the models after:Remark: the reference numbers refer to the preceding board


Part 2 – page 18

Sacks for the collection of household waste(standard collection and selective collection)

Sacks for separate collection of biodegradable waste


(4) Opacity less than 40% or Opacity greater than 60% (only the appropriate mention is affixed)

* if applicable* if applicable

(4) Opacity less than 20% or Opacity greater than 50% (only the appropriate mention is affixed)

* if applicable

enve

lop

e fr

ame

Ou

t o

f fr

am

e

en

ve

lop

e

(8)(9)*

Nominal thickness : 30 µm (8)(9)*

Nominal thickness : 30 µm (8)(9)*

Nominal thickness : 30 µm

(6)

(1)

(2)(3)(3)(4)(2)*(5)(7)

00/0

SACS A DECHETSSOLIDITE VERIFIEE

NF EN 13592OPACITE INFERIEURE A 40%

POUR LA COLLECTE SELECTIVELIEN COULISSANT

500/650

(6)

(1)

(2)

(3)(3)(3)(2)*(5)(7)

00/0

SACS VALORISABLES ENCOMPOSTAGE INDUSTRIEL

NF EN 13432SOLIDITE VERIFIEE

NF EN 13592LIEN COULISSANT

500/650

(6)

(1)

(2)(3)(3)(4)(2)*(5)(7)

00/0

SACS A DASRISOLIDITE VERIFIEE

NF X 30-501OPACITÉ INFÉRIEURE À 20%

LIEN COULISSANT500/650


Part 2 – page 19

2.3.2. PRIMARY PACKAGING MARKING

The "NF quality certified" logo should be placed on the primary packing in a legible and visible way and should be accompanied on the sack packaging by the following indications:- a mark enabling identification of the holder of the NF Mark and the producing factory,- website www.marque-nf.com,- the main certified characteristics.

It is possible for these arrangements not be applied on the express and formalised request by the customer if he does not market the products.

Dimensions of the logo "la qualité NF certifiée" shall be homothetic to those of the model below.

Any reference to capacity in litres must also mention the capacity of the waste container for which the sack is designed. The following wording is used for this purpose: "Suitable for waste containers of X litres".

Remarque 1 : In case of subcontracting, the bags will be identified with the number of the applicant of the subcontracting.

Remarque 2 : in the case of a market:• Business to Customer: the marking of the primary packaging (paper tape / case) mustrespect the provisions described above so that the final consumer has access to the information.• Business to Business: The marking of the primary packaging may not comply with all the provisions described above in accordance with the customer's specifications.


Part 2 – page 20

Sacks for the collection of household waste(standard collection and selective collection)

Sacks for separate collection of biodegradable waste


OPACITE SUPERIEURE A 60 %(ou)

OPACITE INFERIEURE A 40 %

OPACITE SUPERIEURE A 50 %(ou)

OPACITE INFERIEURE A 20 %00/0 corresponds to the identification number of the

authorization indicated on the NF certificate00/0 corresponds to the identification number of the

authorization indicated on the NF certificate00/0 corresponds to the identification number of the

authorization indicated on the NF certificate

LA QUALITÉ

SACS A DECHETS 00/0

CERTIFIEE(Résistance à la chute, étanchéité, opacité)

www.marque-nf.com

LA QUALITÉ

SACS A DECHETS 00/0

CERTIFIEESACS VALORISABLES EN COMPOSTAGE

INDUSTRIEL(Résistance à la chute, étanchéité)

www.marque-nf.com

LA QUALITÉ

SACS A DECHETS 00/0

CERTIFIEESACS A DASRI

(Résistance à la chute et à la déchirure, étanchéité, opacité)www.marque-nf.com


Part 2 – page 21

2.3.3. MARKING OF PACKING OTHER THAN THE PRIMARY PACKAGING

Tertiary packing can carry an NF logo according to the model below, provided all the sacks in the packaging are NF certified.

SACS A DECHETS

2.3.4. MARKING ON DOCUMENTATION (technical and commercial documents, posters, advertising, websites, etc. ...)

References to the NF mark in documents (order confirmations, invoices, delivery slips, advertising leaflets, catalogues, etc.) must be made in a way that avoids any risk of confusing certified products with others.

The NF mark must be reproduced on documents and advertising in compliance with the graphic charter of the NF mark.

SACS A DECHETS

Prior to publication, it is recommended that the holder submit any sales document bearing the Mark, including modifications of said documents, to LNE.

The holder must send, on request from LNE, any document in which reference is made, directly or indirectly, to the NF mark.


Part 2 – page 22

2.4 APPLICANT'S/HOLDER'S COMMITMENTS

The applicant/holder endeavours generally to give LNE the means to proceed in operations necessary to the good process of the evaluation and the follow-up of his file and in particular to:

constantly meet the requirements defined by these certification rules, and to implement the necessary changes in the timeframes set by the in the event that the certification rules change,

give the representatives authorised by LNE the information and working documents necessary to the good progress of the evaluation;

only communicate information which the applicant/holder assures is loyal and sincere;

designate a manager as LNE’s special contact person;

designate the recipients within the company for the receipt of LNE testing and audit reports and inform the LNE of changes to be taken into account in the event of a change of recipients within the company or of email address;

introduce to LNE’s authorised representatives the personnel assigned to the different missions;

give its personnel all the instructions required so that it collaborates with the authorised representatives and accepts to participate in whatever interview;

provide authorised LNE representatives with means of access and transportation within the sites and buildings being audited, including sites of sub-contractors if necessary;

inform authorised LNE representatives of the health & safety instructions and measures applicable to the sites and buildings being audited and its personnel and put at their disposal whatever relevant equipment;

pay LNE the amounts due for evaluation, in accordance with the financial conditions defined and accepted by the applicant/holder.

authorise the presence of an observer who is required to respect confidentiality. LNE may call for this observer, by standards or agreements of which it is a signatory. The applicant/holder is systematically informed of the presence of this observer by LNE prior to the audit.

take the necessary measures if non-conformities are noted, within the timeframe stipulated by LNE,

return to the audit manager the duly filled out non-conformity sheets, within 3 weeks from the last day of the audit.

to implement the actions required to enable the certificate to be granted within 11 months of the initial audit. Once this deadline has passed, a new audit will have to take place before certification.

send to the mark laboratory the samples taken in the conditions defined in parts 3 and 4.


Part 2 – page 23

It is also incumbent on the certificate holder to:

affix the NF mark on only the products covered by the certificates issued by LNE and which conform to the applicable requirements;

reserve the commercial name of the product for only the products covered by the certificates issued by LNE and which conform to the applicable requirements;

inform LNE beforehand of any modification to the product and any information likely to affect conformance to the requirements of these rules, the assessment methods being defined in part 4,

provide LNE with any data or information necessary to draw up and maintain the certificate;

keep a record of all complaints the holder is aware of concerning the conformity of (a) product(s) to certification requirements, and to provide LNE with these records upon request, and

o to take any appropriate action regarding these complaints and imperfections noted in the products which impact their conformity to the certification requirements.

o to document the actions taken.

to stop making any reference to the certification of the products concerned and to stop using all of the means of communication making reference thereto in the event of suspension, reduction, withdrawal or refusal of renewal of the certificate,

to authorise follow-up evaluations to be carried out during the period of validity of the certificate, based on the frequency specified in part 4, in addition to any other duly justified supplementary evaluation.

to make declarations on the certification in line with the scope of the certificate,

not to use the certification granted by LNE in a way which could damage LNE, nor make a statement on the certification of its products which LNE could consider as misleading or non-authorised;

to reproduce the certificates in their entirety, including appendices in the event of provision to a third party.

Part 3 – page 1

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 3

OBTAINING CERTIFICATION

CONTENTS

3.1. Documents required for the application file

3.2. Initial assessment process



Part 3 – page 2

PROCESS FOR OBTAINING CERTIFICATION

APPLICANT LNE READING COMMITTEE

Compiling the application file:

. application for right to use the mark (Para. 3.1.1.)

. documents to be supplied (Para. 3.1.2.)

Corrective actions (if any)


Additional actionsto be undertaken

Examination of the certification application (Para. 3.2.1.)

Factory verifications . quality audit (Para 3.2.2.1). sampling (Para. 3.2.2.2.)

Tests (Para. 3.2.3.)

Decision and Notification (Para. 3.2.5.)

Examination of the application by the LNE Reading committee (Para.3.2.5.)

Surveillance process (part

4)


Part 3 – page 3

Before making the application, the applicant must be sure to meet, at the time of the application, the conditions defined in these Certification Rules (reference standard), especially those in Part 2, regarding his product and sites in question.

He must undertake to comply with said conditions throughout the period of using the NF mark.

If he fails to respect these rules, the applicant/holder exposes himself to the interruption or suspension of the processing of his file. Notably, it is not possible in any circumstances to make reference to the NF mark before obtaining the right to use the NF mark, or to present forged products for certification.

3.1. COMPILING THE APPLICATION FILE

Any company manufacturing one or more products covered by this application of the NF mark can request the right to use the mark. A request of this kind is known in this document as an "application" and the person formulating it as the "applicant".

3.1.1. APPLICATION FOR THE RIGHT TO USE THE NF MARK

Any manufacturer wishing to use the NF Mark on a product he manufactures must first read carefully the certification rules for the Mark and declare his acceptance of them.

The application is drawn up on the manufacturer's letterhead paper as shown in the template (form no. 1a) and must be sent to LNE.

It must specify the references presented for the demand.

3.1.1.1. Definitions

3.1.1.1.1 Reference

A sack reference is defined by:

- its dimensions (width and useful length in millimetres),- its closure type: sliding tie, standard tie or by straps (t-shirt sack),- its nominal thickness in micrometers,- Its type of use : household waste, sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection,

biodegradibility

3.1.1.1.2. Range

A range of sacks is defined by all the sack references and all the closure systems manufactured on the basis of the same formulation.


Part 3 – page 4

3.1.1.1.3. Family

A sack family is defined by the type of use (of waste collected) :

- Non-biodegradable sacks for household waste

Non-biodegradable sacks for household waste comply with the requirements of standard NF EN 13592 (§7). They are divided into two groups depending on their opacity:

1. sacks for collection of unsorted waste. On this account, they shall comply with an opacity higher than or equal to 60%,

2. sacks for selective collection 1.In this case, the waste selection is made by the colour of the sack or the identification of its contents. In this case, an opacity higher than or equal to 60% is not required and is even not adapted to use. The necessity of identifying the sack contents implies that the sack must have an opacity of less than or equal to 40 %.To cover all these uses, the sacks shall comply with: - an opacity below or equal to 40% for the 2 constitutive sides of the sack,- or an opacity below or equal to 40% for one side and any opacity greater than

or equal to 40% for the other side.

- Sacks for clinical waste presenting a risk of infection (DASRI sacks)

Sacks for clinical waste presenting a risk of infection comply with the requirements of standard NF X 30501 and supplementary specifications of these certification regulations. They are divided into two groups depending on their opacity 2:

- Biodegradable sacks for organic household waste

The components of biodegradable sacks comply with the requirements of standard NF EN 13432 (determination of hazardous substances (characterisation), biodegradability, disintegration, compost quality, ecotoxicity).

These biodegradable sacks comply with the requirements of standard NF EN 13592 (§8).

3.1.1.1.4. Type of sacks

A type of sack is defined by a type of use and a closure type.

1 selective collection: selection of waste for recovery.2 the opacity of the sacks is defined contractually between the manufacturer and the customer (according to the standard: NF X 30-501 (December 2006)


Part 3 – page 5

3.1.1.2. For the certification applications of non biodegradable sacks (for household waste and clinical waste presenting a risk of infection [DASRI])

For each family, presentation for certification of a sack reference.Certification pronounced for this reference and for a minimal nominal thickness.

Remark:

Household waste collection sacks and selective collection sacks- An application for certificationautomatically implies certification - An application for certification with opacity 40% (sack for selective collection) does not imply certification with opacity 60% (the increase of the master mix makes the sack more fragile).

Sacks for collection of clinical waste with risk of infection- An application for certification with opacity > 50% automatically implies acceptance for opacity < 20%.- An application for certification with opacity < 20% (sack for selective collection) does not imply certification with opacity > 50% (the increase of the master mix makes the sack more fragile).

3.1.1.3. For the certification applications for biodegradable sacks

Presentation for certification of a range of sacks for a class and sack references.Certification pronounced for each reference manufactured with the formulation, class and for the nominal thickness presented.

3.1.1.4. For all applications

Any modification of one or several of the above mentioned characteristics gives rise to a new reference.

The applicant undertakes to back his application up with a file containing, for each factory that manufactures the products for which certification to the mark is being sought, the documents or information specified in Para. 3.1.2. below.

The application can only be received if the inspections described in part 2 of these Certification Rules have been carried out regularly on the products concerned for at least three months.

All the documents must be written in French or English.

The application must be accompanied by full payment of the corresponding fees determined at the processing of the file and the initial audit.

If the applicant is not from a country within the European Economic Area, he must present his application jointly with an agent set up within the European Economic Area, duly accredited and responsible for all the production for which acceptance to the NF mark is being sought and marketed on French soil.

He is known as the "agent".


Part 3 – page 6

Prior to affixing the NF Mark, any modification made to the range or the references defined for acceptance must be pointed out to LNE which will decide whether or not additional tests need to be carried out.

3.1.2. DOCUMENTS TO BE SUPPLIED

For all references and families of sacks:

- Standard certification application letter (form no. 1a) written on the manufacturer's letterhead paper as shown in the enclosed template (with its appendix co-signed and the associated mandate co-signed) (as shown in form no. 1g) for applications from outside the European Economic Area),

- The general information sheet (form 1b),

- List of the product for which the NF mark is requested:

- form 1c for non-biodegradable sacks for household waste and for sacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection,

- form 1d (references) and form 1e (formulation) for biodegradable sacks.

- Description of quality management measures in place:

o Quality manual and/or plan(s) if possible (if these documents are not distributed outside the site, they must always be made available to the auditor during the audit),

o Description of the manufacturing sequence and the inspection plan used (indicating measurements and tests carried out and their frequency),

o Description of the various processes with definition of inputs, outputs and activities taken into account in each process (with reference to standard ISO 9001: 2008),

o Up to date certificate of conformity of the quality management system (if applicable) of which the scope includes the sites and activities concerned by the NF mark.

- Technical file:

- Results of validation tests of the references subject to the request made by the manufacturer, according to the requirements of standard NF EN 13592,

- Records less than 6 months old from the completion of the checks provided for in part 2 of these rules for each reference that is the subject of the request,

- Precise definition of a production batch (see definition part 1, § 1.2) applied by the applicant,

- Project marking product and packaging.

For biodegradable sacks:

Presentation of a range of sacks for acceptance for a formulation (material A, material B, material C, % max of masterbatch).

Presentation of each sack reference with a different thickness emin ref.

Tie presentation

Compliance of the tests (or parts to attach to the application file) listed in the table below leads to the certification of sack references presented for a thickness between emin ref and e i,for a class C and for a formulation composed of material A, material B, material C, % max of masterbatch.

Part 3 – page 7

TestReference document

Sampling Test results Qualification

Certificate or conformity or

conforming test report

CharacterisationBiodegradationDisintegration

Compost qualityEcotoxicity

NF EN 13432Film of thickness eA of 100% formulation of material A

ConformingConformity to standard NF EN 13432 for a film of formulation A and maximum thickness of eA

Attach to application file

NF EN 13432Film of thickness eB of 100% formulation of material B

ConformingConformity to standard NF EN 13432 for a film of formulation B and maximum thickness of eB


NF EN 13432Film of thickness eC of 100% formulation of material C

ConformingConformity to standard NF EN 13432 for a film of formulation C and a maximum thickness of eC


NF EN 13432

If there are 2 raw materials:Film of thickness eAB (min eA, eB) of 50% formulation of material A and BIf there are 3 raw materials:Film of thickness eABC (min eA, eB, eC) of 33% formulation of material A, B and C

ConformingConformity to standard NF EN 13432 for a film of formulation of thickness eAB or eABC called e i


EcotoxicityCharacterisation (including search for heavy metals)

NF EN 13432For each colouring, additive and ink presented for acceptance in the application file

Conforming Used for NF productsAttach to

application file

Chemical characterisationDisintegrationCompost quality

NF EN 13432For each tie made of natural material in the meaning of the definition of standard NF EN 13432

Conforming Used for NF productsAttach to

application file

In the event that the tie is produced from a different formulation to the film making up the sack, the tests presented in are conducted on the tie formulation


Part 3 – page 8

TestReference document

Sampling Test results Qualification

Certificate or conformity or

conforming test report

Sack design: visual inspection, dimensions, marking

NF EN 13592

Each reference presented in the application file with a minimal thickness of emin ref emin class

Conforming for each reference

Conformity for each reference for a minimal thickness of emin ref

Tests to be conducted at the laboratory of the

NF mark

Thickness NF EN 13592

Opacity NF EN 13592

Resistance to leakage

NF EN 13592

Resistance to drop impacts NF EN 13592

Strength of the closing system

NF EN 13592

Part 3 – page 9

Organisations recognised for awarding reports and certificates of decomposability and biodegradability conformity with standard NF EN 13432 are:

- Organic Waste Systems N.V. (OWS)Dok Noord 4, B– 9000 GENT (Belgium)

- TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NVMechelsesteenweg 455,B– 1950 KRAAINEM (Belgium)


Part 3 – page 10

FORM No. 1aCERTIFICATION APPLICATION

(to be drawn up on the manufacturer's headed paper)

Monsieur le Directeur Général duLABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE METROLOGIE ET D'ESSAISPôle Certification Plurisectorielle1, rue Gaston Boissier75724 PARIS Cedex 15 - France

PURPOSE: Application for the right to use Mark NF-Waste plastic containers

Dear Sir,

I the undersigned (name and position) ...........................................................................................representing the company (identification of the company - head office) ........................................request LNE to carry out the verifications required for obtaining the right to use the NF Mark for the products specified in the enclosed table, complying with standard NF ……………..(4).

These products are manufactured in the factory of (company identification and full address of the factory)................................................................................................................................................ .

I declare that I am familiar with the reference standards, the general rules of the NF Mark and the certification regulations NF “Plastic waste sacks” and I undertake to comply with them throughout the period of use of the NF Mark.

I attest that these products satisfy the regulatory requirements applicable to them and I undertake not to present forged products for certification.

DateStamp and signature

of the applicant

APPENDIX TO THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION (1)

......... ............................................................. Furthermore, I authorise the company (2) represented by Mr (name and capacity)........ .................................................................................

who accepts the terms of the attached mandate, to act on my behalf on the French territory for all matters relating to the use of the NF Mark.

For such purposes, I ask that the fees incumbent on me be invoiced directly to him. He hereby undertakes to settle the invoices on receipt.

I undertake to notify LNE immediately if I appoint a new agent to replace the agent named above.

Yours faithfully,

DateStamp and signature Stamp and signature

of the agent’s representative (3) of the applicant’s representative (3)__________________________________________________________________________(1) This appendix is only to be completed by applicants located outside the European Economic Area. It must be

accompanied by a co-signed mandate (see sample form 1g)(2) The designation of the representing company must include: company name, legal form, head-office and Companies

Register number.(3) The signatures of the applicant and his agent must be preceded respectively by the hand-written words "Proxy agreed"

and "Acceptance of proxy agreed".(4) For non-biodegradable sacks for household waste: NF EN 13592 and specifications of certification regulations NF 082.

For biodegradable sacks: NF EN 13592 and NF 13432 and specifications of certification regulations NF 082.For sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection: NF X 30501 and specifications of certification regulations NF 082


Part 3 – page 11

FORM no. 1b

GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET

Name of applicant's company:Address of applicant's company :Contact:Telephone:E-mail:

Contact details of the person(s) for the receipt of LNE test reports and audit reports by e-mail:Name of the

personTitle E-mail

Audit report

Test report

Complete billing address (if different from the address mentioned under the applicant's company name), with undertaking if different from the applicant

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Location of the various manufacturing steps

Address and contacts of the site responsible for each stage 3

Design

Manufacture (1)

Assembly

Marking

Final check

Packaging

(1) details, if applicable, of the manufacturing steps or any outsourced production

Any aspect not covered by the applicant is subject to a contract defining the respective responsibilities with its provider.

If applicable, name and address of agent in France:

Issued at

on

Signature

3 Indicate the company name, address, contact person, phone number and e-mail address if different from the applicant.


Part 3 – page 12

FORM No. 1c

REFERENCE OF THE PRODUCTS COVERED BY THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Non-biodegradable sacks for the collection of household waste andSacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection

TYPE OF SACKS(household waste

/ DASRI)

DIMENSIONSuseful width / useful length

(mm)

CLOSURE SYSTEM

(classic tie,drawtight tieor with strap)

NOMINAL THICKNESS

(µm)

OPACITYr

<20% or >50%)

IDENTIFICATION(manufacturing order no., code,

etc.)

Applicant’s name

Date

Stamp and signature


Part 3 – page 13

FORM no. 1d


Sacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection

REFERENCE

(useful width / useful length

(mm)

TYPE(with sliding ties, without

sliding ties or with straps)

FAMILY(with gusset or

without gusset)

NOMINAL THICKNESS

(µm)OPACITY

IDENTIFICATION(Manufacturing order no., code,

etc.)

Applicant’s name

Date

Stamp and signature


Part 3 – page 14

FORM No. 1e


Biodegradable sacks

REFERENCE(useful width / useful length

(mm)

TYPE(with sliding ties, without

sliding ties or with straps)

FAMILY(with gusset or without

gusset)

NOMINAL THICKNESS

(µm)CLASS

IDENTIFICATION OF

FORMULATION(confidential

code)

IDENTIFICATION(Manufacturing order no., code,

etc.)

Applicant’s nameDate

Stamp and signature


Part 3 – page 15

FORM No. 1f

Biodegradable sacks

DECLARATION OF THE FORMULATION AND OTHER MATERIALSCONSTITUTING THE REFERENCE SUBJECT OF THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Formulation identification (confidential code): ........................................................................................(independent of colourings presented for acceptance)

Formulation of the sack cover and tie (if not of natural material in the meaning of standard NF EN 13432):

Raw materials (granules) making

up the film formulation

Material trade reference(s)

Identification of the certificate of conformity to standardNF EN 13432

Name of the certification body

Issue date Expiry dateMaximum nominal

thickness (µm)

Raw material A eA =

Raw material B eB =

Raw material C eC =

If formulation is based on 2 raw materials

Mix of 50% of material A and 50% of material B

/ eAB =

If formulation is based on 3 raw materials

Mix of 33% of material A and 33% of material B and 33% of material C

/ eABC =

Colourings:

Colourings used

Maximum percentage by

weight compared with the sack

weight (%)

ColourColouring trade

reference(s)

Identification of the certificate of conformity to standard

NF EN 13432Name of the

certification bodyIssue date Expiry date

Colouring 1

Colouring 2

Colouring 3

Colouring 4

Colouring 5


Part 3 – page 16

FORM No. 1f (cont.)

Biodegradable sacks

DECLARATION OF THE FORMULATION AND OTHER MATERIALSCONSTITUTING THE REFERENCE SUBJECT OF THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Additives:

Additives used

Maximum percentage by weight compared with the sack weight

(%)

Colouring trade reference(s)




Additive 1

Additive 2

Additive 3

Ink:

Ties used

Maximum percentage by

weight compared with the sack

weight (%)

ColourInk trade

reference(s)




Ink 1

Ink 2

Ink 3

Ink 4

Ink 5

Tie of a material of natural origin (in the meaning of standard NF EN 13432 Para. 4.3.2):

Ties used Material of

natural originTrade reference(s)

Identification of the certificate of conformity to standardNF EN 13432

Name of the certification body

Issue date Expiry date

Tie 1

Tie 2

Applicant’s nameDate

Stamp and signature


Part 3 – page 17

FORM no. 1gEXAMPLE OF A MANDATE

(to be drawn up on the applicant/agent's letterhead paper)

List of information to be supplied:Corporate name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

Country: __________________________

Telephone: ________________________ Fax: __________________________________

SIRET No.:________________________ NAF code: _____________________________

Name and profession of the legal representative: ___________________________________

Name and profession of the correspondent (if different): _____________________________

VAT ID number: ____________________________________________________________

Email address of contact person: _______________________________________________

Email address of the Company:_________________________________________________

Website: ___________________________________________________________________

Identification of the roles of the authorised agent to be included in the mandate between applicant/holder and agent

Applicant/Holder: ..........................................................................................................................

Authorised agent:..........................................................................................................................

Minimum requirements which must be shown in the mandate:

assignments and associated responsibilities

financial aspects (invoicing relating to the NF mark)

complaints

certifying body contact

Mandate:

The mandate should be mentioned in the applicant/holder’s quality system.

A copy of the mandate in French or English should be attached to the co-signed admission application.

Compliance with the mandate arrangements is checked during audits.

Date of the initial mandate

Signatures of the representative of the agent and the applicant


Part 3 – page 18

3.2. INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS

3.2.1. EXAMINATION OF THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

The application and enclosed file sent to LNE are examined before factory verifications and tests are carried out.

Upon receiving the application, LNE checks that:- all the requested documents are enclosed in the application file according to Para. 3.1.2.,- the elements in the file comply with the requirements of the certification rules. - The fees have been paid,

LNE checks that it has all the means for responding to the application and may request additional information required for the admissibility of the file when this is incomplete.

Once the application is admissible, LNE organises the inspections, and informs the applicant about the organisation methods (auditor, duration of the audit, audited sites, laboratories, sampled products, etc.) and, if applicable, the due date for the additional items.

The checks carried out in connection with the NF mark are as follows:- audits so as to be able to cover the various participants in the design, manufacture,

assembly, quality control, marking and packaging of the products (see para. 3.2.2).- tests on the products (see 3.2.3),

The test samples are taken during the initial audit and sent by the applicant to the appointed laboratory.

3.2.2. AUDIT

Examination of the application includes an initial audit of the factory where the products presented in application file are manufactured. It also includes, if applicable, an audit of the various sites participating and described in the certification application, on the basis of the same standard.. It is conducted by auditors qualified by LNE who have given an undertaking to observe professional secrecy.

The language of the audit is French or English. If this is not the case, it is up to the company being audited to make available an interpreter to the auditor. In this case the duration of the audit may be increased (prior agreement with the company).

The NF auditor must have at his disposal all the resources necessary (documents, premises, installations, facilities) to perform his assignment, including competent people to carry it out.

3.2.2.1. Quality audit

This audit is conducted according to the general principles defined in standard ISO 19011 for conducting a quality audit. In particular, the scope of the audit and details of the procedure are specified in an audit plan sent to the company before the audit.


Part 3 – page 19

The auditor:- Conduct a quality audit with the purpose of verifying the existence and effective

implementation of the quality management system set up by the manufacturer and its conformity with the quality requirements in Part 2 of these regulations,

- Verifies that the inspections stipulated in Part 2 have been carried out regularly for at least 3 months, in order to verify the application of the frequencies, the operationalmodes and the criteria defined by the NF certification rules,

- Shall have carried out in his presence, conformity tests on the products covered by the certification application. These tests are preferably carried out on the model taken for laboratory tests of the mark,

- Takes the samples required for the admission tests,- Examine, if necessary, the application of the contract with the agent and/or the various

sites participating and described in the certification application.

NOTE: test results obtained during the audit do not prejudge results obtained by the mark laboratory.

With the company's agreement, the auditors can take a copy of any document they consider necessary.

At the end of the closing meeting, the lead auditor prepares an audit report which he gives to the applicant, drawing special attention to the effectiveness of the quality system set up, the strong points, the points to be improved and a commented report of non-conformities. It also includes the report of tests carried out during the audit and the sampling sheet.

If one or more non-compliant points have been noted, the applicant completes the headings of the non-compliance sheets and sends them within the time agreed with the lead auditor to the latter for assessment.

The complete report is sent by the LNE by e-mail to the applicant designated contact(s) and, if necessary, with copy to the representative.

The duration of the on-site audit is: The duration of the audit can be adapted to the sites to be audited (with prior consent of the applicant).

NF marks auditedDuration of on-site audit

(in days)

NF Plastic waste sacks 2.5

NF Plastic waste sacksNF Environment – Waste Sacks

3

NF Plastic waste sacksNF Freezer bags

3.5

NF Plastic waste sacksNF Environment – Waste SacksNF Freezer bags

4

Case of companies with a certified quality management system

If the conformity of the quality management system is covered by up to date certification of which the scope and the cover include the sites and the activities concerned by the NF markand is still valid.


Part 3 – page 20

This certification is granted by a certification body accredited according to the NF ISO/CEI 17021 standard by COFRAC or, failing this, by a member of the EA (European cooperation for Accreditation) or by an organisation member of an association having signed the international recognition agreements the signatories of which are identified on the COFRAC website (www.cofrac.fr), the duration of the audit is adapted.

The duration of the on-site audit is reduced to:

NF marks auditedDuration of on-site

audit(in days)

NF Plastic waste sacks 2


2.5


3


3.5

The audit reports drawn up by the quality management system certifying body must be sent to the auditor or consulted on site.

3.2.2.2. Sampling

The manufacturer must make available to the lead auditor all references of the product covered by the certification application needed for the sample.

Auditors collect the samples needed for testing having been validated by the manufacturer's inspection plan.

The sample is made up of all sack references from each family for which a mark licence is requested (for each reference a sample of at least 100 sacks must be taken from at least 5 rolls of the same manufacture).

The samples taken are marked by the auditors with a distinctive sign used to authenticate them later, and must be accompanied by information allowing the samples taken to be identified.

They are sent within 15 days by the manufacturer, and under his responsibility, to the mark laboratory (see Part 5 of these Rules) tasked with carrying out the tests, accompanied by the sample sheet, unless the auditors decide to take charge of them.


Part 3 – page 21

3.2.3. TESTS

The tests to be carried out by the independent laboratory on the products sampled during the audit are defined in the table below.

As defined in standards NF EN 13592, NF X 30501

and certification rules

Sacks for household wasteSacks for waste

presenting a risk of infection

Non-biodegradable sacks

(NF EN 13592 §7)

Biodegradable sacks(NF EN 13592 §8)


X X X

Thickness X X X

Opacity X X X

Resistance to leakage X X X

Resistance to drop impacts X X X

Tensile strength of a tie X X X

Strength of the closing system of sacks with sliding ties

X if it is a sack with sliding ties or with straps



Tear test X

Thickness:

The average thickness measured at LNE of the film used for sacks subjected to firsts tests must be in the range:

- ± 5 % of the thickness required for a thickness greater than 20 µm,- ± 8 % of the thickness required for a thickness below or equal to 20 µm.

a) If, during its tests, LNE obtains a value inside one of these ranges, the accepted nominal thickness will be the thickness for which the manufacturer is applying,

b) If, during its tests, LNE obtains a value greater than the positive tolerance value, the accepted nominal thickness will be the average thickness obtained rounded down to the next lowest micron,

c) If, during its tests, LNE obtains a value lower than the negative tolerance value, the accepted nominal thickness will be the average thickness obtained rounded down to the next highest micron.

A test report is drawn up for the tests and sent by the LNE by e-mail to the applicant designated contact(s) and, if necessary, with copy to the representative.

In case of non compliance, the manufacturer shall inform LNE of its analysis of the causes and corrective actions taken while specifying the time taken.


Part 3 – page 22

3.2.5. DECISION AND NOTIFICATION

On the basis of the results obtained during examination of the application and the recommendation of the reading committee, LNE notifies the applicant of one of the following decisions:

a) Certification agreed This decision may be accompanied by suspensive conditions which define the conditions to be met by the applicant before the certificate is awarded.

b) Certification refused.

The certification decision must be pronounced no later than one year after the initial audit.

In virtue of the certification decision notified by LNE, AFNOR Certification grants the right to use the NF mark.

If the right to use the NF Mark is awarded, the beneficiary is known as the "holder". Maintaining this right is subject to the results of the verifications defined in Part 4.

The exercise of the right to use the NF Mark is strictly limited to the products for which it was awarded, in other words the duly defined products from the duly defined factories, and manufactured under the conditions set out in these Rules.

After granting of the right to use the NF mark:- The first 3 production batches of each certified reference (100 sacks in a minimum of 5

rolls) are first sent to the LNE for conformity testing. - Each of these batches cannot be put on the market before compliance of the results

and written authorisation from LNE. - The inspection of the first production runs ceases after satisfactory test results on

three batches produced consecutively.


Part 3 – page 23

3.2.6. APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION

The applicant may appeal against the decision taken. The procedure is set out in Article 11 of the General Rules of the NF Mark. This dispute is notified by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt within 15 working days.

LNE firstly proceeds with the re-examination of the file in view of the factors justifying this challenge. It notifies confirmation of the decision or the new decision to the applicant within 30 working days.

Should the applicant wish to maintain its challenge, an appeal may be made by the applicant or certification beneficiary against the decision of LNE.

Explanations for this appeal, which does not have a suspensive effect, must be given. It is lodged by sending a recorded delivery letter within 15 working days.

It is examined by LNE within 30 days of receipt and, if it concerns the certification decision or specific certification rules, gives rise to an examination by the Mark committee. LNE informs the plaintiff, within this time limit, as to whether or not it maintains its decision.

If the appeal is maintained after processing and submission to the mark committee for their opinion, the appeal is presented to the Certification and Impartiality Preservation Committee of LNE, which proposes its conclusions after examination.

The final decision is notified to the Company by LNE.

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 4

CERTIFIED PRODUCT SURVEILLANCEPROCESS - MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES

CONTENTS

4.1. Certified product surveillance process

4.2 Modification and changes to company organisation or the certified product



Part 4 – Page 2

SURVEILLANCE PROCESS

HOLDER LNE ORIENTATION COMMISSION




Factory verifications. quality audit (§ 4.1.1.1.)

. sampling (§ 4.1.1.2.)

Tests (§ 4.1.3.)

Annual sampling(§ 4.1.2.)

Tests (§ 4.1.3.)

Complaints (if any)(§ 4.1.4.)

Recommendation of LNE reading committee (§

4.1.6.)

Decision and notification(§ 4.1.6.)

Orientation Commission report(§ 4.1.5.)


Part 4 – Page 3

Throughout the duration of the certification, the holder must: - comply with the requirements defined and the marking methods described in Part 2,- systematically inform LNE of any change in the specifications of the certified product,

and/or organisation that may have an impact on the certification:modifications concerning the holder (Para. 4.2.1.)transfer of production site (Para. 4.2.2.)modification of the accepted product, new products (Para. 4.2.3.)temporary stoppage of production (Para. 4.2.4.)definitive stoppage of production or surrendering the right of use (Para. 4.2.5.)

In addition, LNE reserves the right to carry out any checks it deems necessary following:- to modification concerning the certified product or the quality organisation of the various

intervening sites and described in the original certification application file.- complaints, challenges, disputes of which it has been informed and relating to the use of

the NF Mark.

4.1. CERTIFIED PRODUCT SURVEILLANCE PROCESS

LNE organises surveillance of certified products.

The first follow-up audit occurs no later than six months after the certification decision.

The purpose of this surveillance is to monitor compliance by the manufacturer with the requirements of these certification rules.

The surveillance methods depend on the decisions made as a result of previous inspections.

4.1.1. AUDIT

At least one audit is conducted per year at the main production site and at the site in charge of final inspection of certified products.

LNE defines, on a case-by-case basis, which sites are to be audited in addition and the associated frequency among different intervening sites and described in the original certification application.

The duration of the audit can be adapted:- depending on the sites to be audited in accordance with the requirements of

Para. 3.2.1 (with prior consent of the holder)- if a holder has several authorised agents,- if several holders use the same subcontractor.

The examinations carried out concern primarily any modifications made since the previous audit that affect manufacturing, inspection methods or organisation of the quality management system.

This quality audit is conducted according to the general principles defined in standard ISO 19011 for conducting a quality audit. In particular, the scope of the audit and details of the procedure are specified in an audit plan sent to the company before the audit.


Part 4 – Page 4

During each audit, products are sampled for laboratory testing of the mark (see Para. 4.1.1.2.).

During the audit, the auditor has conformity tests carried out in his presence on accepted sections, in order to verify the conditions under which inspections are carried out by the manufacturer. It is preferable to carry out these tests on the type sampled for tests in the Mark laboratory.

NOTE: test results obtained during the audit do not prejudge results obtained by the mark laboratory.

With the holder's agreement, the auditor can take a copy of any document he/she considers necessary.

4.1.1.1. Quality audit

At the end of the closing meeting, the lead auditor prepares an audit report which he gives to the holder drawing special attention to the effectiveness of the quality system set up, the strong points, the points to be improved and a commented report of non-conformities. It also includes the report of tests carried out during the audit and the sampling sheet (see Para. 4.1.1.2).

If one or more non-compliant points have been noted, the holder completes the headings of the non-compliance sheets and sends them within the time agreed with the lead auditor to the latter for assessment

The complete report is sent by the LNE by e-mail to the applicant designated contact(s) and, if necessary, with copy to the representative.

a) Case of companies with a certified quality management system

If the conformity of the quality management system is covered by up to date certification of which the scope and cover includes the sites and activities concerned by the NF mark.

This certification is granted by a certification body accredited according to the NF ISO/CEI 17021 standard by COFRAC or, failing this, by a member of the EA (European cooperation for Accreditation) or by an organisation member of an association having signed the international recognition agreements the signatories of which are identified on the COFRAC website (www.cofrac.fr), the duration of the audit is adapted.

The audit reports drawn up by the quality management system certifying body must be sent to the auditor or consulted on site.

However, the audit includes obligatory verification of the special requirements imposed by the NF Mark (see Para. 2.2.2. Part 2).

The general requirements (Para. 2.2.1., part 2) are verified during the various annual follow-up audits (in alternation).


Part 4 – Page 5

The duration of the audit is:


(in days)

NF Plastic waste sacks 1


1.5


2


2.5

b) Case of companies without a certified quality management system

Verification of the quality management measures must include, at each audit, verification of the product realisation processes to confirm that the specific requirements of the NF Mark (Para. 2.2.2. Part 2) and the following chapters of standard NF EN ISO 9001 are observed:

7.5.3. Identification and traceability, 7.5.4. Preservation of product,7.6. Control of monitoring and measuring devices, 8.2.4. Product monitoring and measurement,8.3. Control of Nonconforming Product, 8.5.2. Corrective actions.

The other processes (and chapters of the standard) are verified during the various annual follow-up audits (in alternation).

In this case, the on-site audit duration is:


(in days)

NF Plastic waste sacks 1.5


2


2.5


3


Part 4 – Page 6

4.1.1.2. Audit sampling

The sampling is performed on 4 different references covering, if possible, each type of sack certified (domestic waste sack, DASRI / sack with sliding or standard ties, or with straps).

For each reference the sample is at least 100 sacks from at least 5 rolls of the same manufacture.

Auditors collect the samples needed for testing having been validated by the manufacturer's inspection plan.

The samples taken must be accompanied by information allowing the manufacturing batch to be identified.

They are marked by the auditor with a distinctive sign used to authenticate them later and sent within 15 days by the manufacturer, and under his responsibility, to the Mark laboratory tasked with carrying out the tests, together with the sampling sheet, unless the auditors decide to take charge of them.

4.1.2. ANNUAL SAMPLING

In addition to the arrangements above, the LNE has samples taken in the distribution circuit. The results are sent by the LNE by e-mail to the applicant designated contact(s) and, if necessary, with copy to the representative.

Sampling rules Annual sampling (from January to December), carried out in the distribution circuit is linked to the sack tonnage declaration 1for waste, produced by the holder of the Mark the previous year (from January to December).

The table below shows the number of references to be sampled as part of the follow-up(normal or light) of year N:

Tonnage T (in t) of sacks produced by the holder during the previous year (N-

1)

Number of sampled references for annual sampling of year N

Normal follow-up Light sampling

T < 1000 5 4

10 8

15 12

20 16

25 20

30 24

35 28

40 32

Criteria for moving to light control for year N:Annual percentage of non-year N-1 (audit and annual samples taken together)

1 The sacks are: - non-biodegradable sacks for waste, - sacks for soft waste presenting a risk of infection (DASRI),- biodegradable sacks.


Part 4 – Page 7

• For manufacturers reporting less than 1000T of NF products, no more than one non-critical non-conformity (except drop test and wet waste) on all the references tested during the year N-1 (audit and annual sampling combined)

If LNE cannot find a sack reference on the market, sampling will be automatically carried out on a different reference (preferably the most commercialised).

If there are several samplings of a reference, one of the samplings is carried out by priority on soft sacks for waste involving the risk of infection (DASRI) and biodegradable sacks.

Sampling placesLNE gives preference to sampling from the places of storage (internal to the company or remote) of the holder manufacturer. If the sampling cannot be performed directly at the manufacturer’s storage facility, LNE takes the samples of the references at the premises of an intermediary (wholesaler) or directly in the market (distributor, user, municipalities, etc.). Therefore, manufacturers give information on possible sampling places to LNE, at its request. Possible places of sampling are as follows:

- Places of storage (internal to the company or remote);- wholesaler;- points of sale.

The address of these sampling places shall be indicated as well as the person to contact and his/ her details (name, phone number).

4.1.3. TESTS

The tests to be carried out by the mark laboratory on the products sampled during the follow-up audits are defined in the table below.

As defined in standards NF EN 13592, NF X 30501

and certification rules

Sacks for household wasteSacks for waste

presenting a risk of infection

Non-biodegradable sacks

(NF EN 13592 §7)

Biodegradable sacks(NF EN 13592 §8)


X X X

Thickness X X X

Opacity X X X

Resistance to leakage X X X

Resistance to drop impacts X X X

Tensile strength of a tie X X X

Strength of the closing system of sacks with sliding ties




Tear test X

A test report, on sampling carried out during the audit and the annual sampling, is drawn up for the tests and sent by the LNE by e-mail to the applicant designated contact(s) and, if necessary, with copy to the representative.

The holder informs LNE of any corrective actions adopted following the detection of nonconformities.


Part 4 – Page 8

4.1.4. COMPLAINTS

If there are user complaints, the inspections may include sampling or tests at the places where accepted products are marketed or used (in this case the holder is invited to arrange for representation during the sampling and tests).

4.1.5. REPORT TO THE ORIENTATION COMMISSION

A summary of all the inspections carried out is presented by LNE at least once a year to the Orientation Commission.

The documents examined during each session of the Orientation Commission must bepresented in anonymous form.

4.1.6. DECISION AND NOTIFICATION

The arrangements detailed below are applicable to all certified manufacturers.

Applicable rule for carrying out additional tests depending on the type of non-conformities

If non-conformity with a drop test and/or a damp waste resistance test is identified, an additional test is performed on the reference concerned In addition, if this additional test is also not satisfactory, batch by batch testing is implemented on this reference.

For all other non-conforming points (thickness, length/width, opacity, tab, abrupt suspension, tie strength and others) detected, an additional partial test (test on the non-conforming characteristic and drop test) is performed on the reference presented. If this additional test is not satisfactory, testing per batch is put in place on this same reference.

NB: For household waste sacks and sacks for waste presenting a risk of infection, if there is a non-conformity with the average opacity measurement within ± 5% of the requirement (ie between 40% and 45% or 55% and 60% for household waste sacks or between 20% and 25% and 45% and 50% for sacks for waste presenting a risk of infection), no additional tests is requested for this non-conformity. However, the non-compliance is recorded in the holder's half-yearly review.

Implementation of batch by batch testing takes place as follows: - The next 3 production batches of sacks concerned by the monitoring (100 sacks in a

minimum of 5 rolls) are first sent to LNE for conformity testing. - Each of these batches cannot be put on the market before compliance of the results

and written authorisation from LNE. - The inspection per lot ceases after satisfactory test results on three batches produced

consecutively.

Applicable rule for launch of an additional audit

The percentage of non-conformities on a year period is calculated on the basis of the number of references tested (audit and annual samples combined) and the number of non-conforming references in this same period.


Part 4 – Page 9

Hence, if a manufacturer has an annual percentage of non-conforming products):- greater than 25% for non-conformities to the drop test and/or a damp waste resistance

on all references,- and greater than 35% on all references and nature of non-conformities combined,an additional audit and sampling during this audit, of all the certified references will be carried out.

Nevertheless, this percentage is applied from 5 references. If less than 5 references are tested per six month period for a manufacturer, the results will be combined with those of the following six month period.

Decision

On the basis of the inspections carried out, the above mentioned requirements and the recommendations of the LNE reading committee, LNE notifies the holder of one of the following decisions:

a) Maintenance of certification with a possible request for corrective action,

b) Maintenance of certification, with formal notification to stop any infringements observed,within a given time period, eventually accompanied by increased inspections, tests and audits (which may be unannounced).

c) Suspension of the certification (suspension has a maximum duration of 6 months and is renewable once only. After this, withdrawal of the certification is pronounced.)

d) Withdrawal of certification.

For sanctions b), c) and d), the fees for additional verifications are charged to the holder, regardless of their results. The decisions are enforceable as from the date of notification.

If there is a serious breach of the Certification Rules, LNE may, as precautionary measure and after confirmation of the breach, make any of the decisions listed above. The decisions are reported to the Mark Committee.

Certificates are renewed by periods of 3 years.When the decision comes before the expiry of the certificate, the renewed certificate has a duration greater than 3 years.

4.1.7. APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION

The holder may appeal against the decision taken. The procedure is set out in Article 11 of the General Rules of the NF Mark.

LNE firstly proceeds with the re-examination of the file in view of the factors justifying this challenge. It notifies confirmation of the decision or the new decision to the applicant within 15 working days.

Should the applicant wish to maintain its challenge, an appeal may be made by the applicant or certification beneficiary against the decision of LNE.


Part 4 – Page 10

Explanations for this appeal, which does not have a suspensive effect, must be given. It is lodged by sending a recorded delivery letter within 15 working days.

It is examined by LNE within 30 days of receipt and, if it concerns the certification decision or specific certification rules, gives rise to an examination by the Mark committee. LNE informs the plaintiff, within this time limit, as to whether or not it maintains its decision.

If the appeal is maintained after processing and submission to the mark committee for their opinion, the appeal is presented to the Certification and Impartiality Preservation Committee of LNE, which proposes its conclusions after examination.

The final decision is notified to the Company by LNE.


Part 4 – Page 11

4.2. MODIFICATION AND CHANGES TO COMPANY ORGANISATION OR CERTIFIED PRODUCT

4.2.1. MODIFICATION CONCERNING THE HOLDER

In the case of merger, liquidation or acquisition of the holder's company, any right to use the Mark that it might exercise shall cease automatically (see article 4 of the General Rules of the NF Mark). The holder must inform LNE without delay of any decision likely to result at a later stage either in a modification of the company's legal status or a change in the company name.

Non-compliance with this obligation observed by LNE can lead to suspension or withdrawal of the right to use the NF mark.

LNE is empowered, after consulting the Mark Committee if necessary, to examine the means by which any new application might be accepted.

In case of merger or consolidation involving only a change of company name, without modification of the product, manufacturing process, material and human resources, quality organisation and methods of control, the NF certificate may be updated upon receipt of written notification of the new company name on the company's letterhead paper.

4.2.2. MODIFICATION CONCERNING SITES COVERED BY THE CERTIFICATION

Before total or partial transfer of an activity described in the application file, the holder shall inform LNE in writing of any new arrangements envisaged. As of the date of transfer, no mention of the mark should be made until reception of LNE's decision.

LNE's decision comes after the audit of the new site and, where appropriate, presentation to the Mark Committee and / or LNE reading committee (maintained certification or investigation of a new application, with reduced or complete tests).

4.2.3. MODIFICATION OF THE ACCEPTED PRODUCT - NEW PRODUCTS

NF certified products shall conform to the technical file that was submitted with the application for acceptance, and shall take into account any observation made when the certification was granted.

Consequently, any modification (including modifications concerning the manufacturing and inspection means and the quality management system that could have a determining effect on production conformity) that the holder wishes to make to accepted products must also be communicated to LNE in writing.

The application for a new model and/or a new range takes the form of an application for extension of the right to use the NF Mark (forms 1a to 1e defined in Part 3) and updating of the file.

The modification is examined on the basis of the table below and cannot be implemented until LNE has given its agreement. LNE must inform the holder of the examination arrangements (acceptance, preliminary inspections or referral to the Mark Committee) within15 days.


Part 4 – Page 12

The samples required for carrying out tests are sent by the applicant and under his responsibility, to the Mark laboratory charged with carrying out the tests. They must be marked in a way that allows later authentication and be accompanied by information allowing the material batches used for their manufacture to be identified.


Part 4 – Page 13

Type Type of changeApplication to be sent to

LNEExamination of the application

Extension notification conditions

For non-biodegradable sacks for household waste

Reduction of nominal thickness

Note :

- a decrease in the thickness for a reference with an opacity

decrease in the thickness of this same reference for

- a decrease in the thickness for a reference with opacity

decrease in the thickness of this same reference for an

Application for extensionTests on all the references

requested

In the case of a satisfactory assessment, the certification is granted by the LNE


Note :

- a decrease in the thickness for a reference with an opacity

0% automatically leads to a decrease in the thickness of this same reference for

0%.- a decrease in the thicknessfor a reference with opacity

0% does not lead to a decrease in the thickness of this same reference for an

0%.


requested


Non-biodegradable sacks for household waste

Opacity increased from a maximum of 40% to 60% or more

Application for extensionTests In the case of a satisfactory

assessment, the certification is granted by the LNE

Sacks for waste presenting a risk of infection

Opacity increased from 20% to 50%

Application for extensionTests In the case of a satisfactory

assessment, the certification is granted by the LNE


Part 4 – Page 14

For non-biodegradable sacks for household waste and sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection

Extension of admission for a new type of sacks (standard tie, or sliding tie, straps, DASRI)

Application for extension accompanied by the description of the manufacturing sequence and the inspection plan used (indicating measurements and tests carried out and their frequency)

With paper reviewing, with tests on all the references requested and audit (carried out with the follow-up audit where appropriate)


Implementation of a batch by batch monitoring

For non-biodegradable sacks for household waste and sacks for clinical waste with risk of infection

New reference(s) for a type of sack already certified


requested



Biodegradable sacks

New range, new formulation, thickness modification, addition of a reference, addition of a colouring, addition of an additive, addition of ink, class modification.

Application for extension accompanied by the description of the manufacturing sequence and the inspection plan used (indicating measurements and tests carried out and their frequency)

Tests



All types of sack Change of authorised agentApplication using the form 1a-b-c- Part 3

Complete procedure.

The procedure can be simplified in view of the conclusions of the last audit, the last test results in the case where the product covered by the application is identical to the previous certified model



Part 4 – Page 15

All types of sackAppointment of an additional authorised agent

Application using the form 1a-b-c- Part 3

Complete procedure.The procedure can be simplified in view of the conclusions of the last audit, the last test results in the case where the production and inspection conditions are unchanged with respect to the previously accepted model


All types of sack Other case Report changes On case by case basis On case by case basis


Part 4 – Page 16

4.2.4. TEMPORARY CESSATION OF PRODUCTION – PRODUCTION MINIMUM

The holder shall keep LNE informed of any temporary stoppage of production of a product admitted if it is less than 6 months longs.

The holder must apply for a temporary suspension of the right to use the mark (maximum: 1 year) insofar as it no longer has products bearing the NF mark in stock. After this period, the right of use is withdrawn.

Before expiry of the suspension, if production is restarted, the holder must notify LNE which will carry out an audit before the products are marketed under the NF Mark.

Minimum productionThe minimum annual tonnage is 60 tonnes, all references combined.

The tonnage declaration form is sent to holders by LNE during December. Manufacturers make a sworn declaration of tonnage produced and provide proof to the auditors if necessary.

During the annual review, the LNE verifies the different types of sacks (standard tie / sliding tie / straps / DASRI / biodegradable) manufactured during the year and follows the following diagram:

4.2.5. DEFINITIVE STOPPAGE OF PRODUCTION OR SURRENDER OF THE RIGHT OF USE

If the holder ceases production of an accepted product definitively or if he surrenders the right to use the Mark, he must inform LNE, indicating the time he considers necessary for depletion of the remaining stock of products bearing the Mark. LNE lays down the conditions under which this stock can be depleted, after seeking the Mark Committee's opinion if necessary.

The certificate issued by LNE remains valid as long as it remains with the holder of NF-marked product stock, as surveillance checks on certified products are maintained.

Year N

Absence of sampling of a type of sacks for 1 year

Annual review for year N: LNE informs the holder that a type of sacks could not be taken during

year N and that, in the absence of collection of this type of sacks during the year N + 1, the LNE

will suspend its right of use for the type of sacks concerned.

Year N+1

Absence of sampling of a type of sacks for 2 years

Annual revieaw for year N + 1: the LNE issues asuspension for one-year of the right of use for

the type of sacks concerned and informs that the right of use will be restored when conform

tests are performed.

Year N+2

Absence of sampling of a type of sacks for 3 years

Annual revieaw for year N + 2: the LNE issues the withdrawal of the right of use for the type of

sacks concerned. The holder will have to apply for an extension of admission to restore the right

of use on the type of sacks. At the end of this admission, a batch by batch monitoring is set up

(monitoring of the first 3 productions).

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 5

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS

CONTENTS

5.1. AFNOR Certification

5.2. Mandated body

5.3. Audit bodies

5.4. Test bodies

5.5. Mark Committee

5.6. Orientation Commission

5.7. Working group

5.8. LNE reading committee



Part 5 – page 2

5.1. AFNOR CERTIFICATION

AFNOR is the owner of the NF mark and has granted an exclusive operating licence to AFNOR Certification. AFNOR Certification manages and oversees the NF certification system, which defines the rules of governance and the modalities of operation of the NF mark.

5.2. MANDATED BODY

AFNOR Certification entrusts management of the Mark application to LNE.

Under this authorisation, LNE is answerable to AFNOR Certification for all management operations entrusted to it, as set out in Article 3 of the General Rules of the NF Mark.

All persons involved in the NF mark process are bound to professional secrecy under Article 8 of the General Rules of the NF Mark. If necessary, on request from manufacturers, an agreement can be signed between LNE and the manufacturer.

5.3. AUDIT BODY

LNE entrusts audits to the following organisations:

LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE METROLOGIE ET D'ESSAIS (LNE)1, rue Gaston Boissier75724 PARIS Cedex 15 - FranceTel. 01 40 43 37 00

However, it may call upon the expertise of duly qualified external auditors according to LNE’s procedures. This outsourcing of audits is formalised in the form of contracts (due to independence and confidentiality requirements).

The holder or applicant must facilitate the operations that agents in charge of audits are required to carry out in the context of their mission.

LNE must be informed of any challenge concerning the members of an audit team within 10 days from when the audit team receives the notification in order for it to be taken into account.

5.4. TEST BODIES

LNE entrusts the tests to the mark laboratory named below:

LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE METROLOGIE ET D'ESSAIS (LNE)Direction des Essais (Test Directorate)29, avenue Roger Hennequin 78197 TRAPPES Cedex - FranceTel. 01 30.69.10.00.


Part 5 – page 3

5.5. MARK COMMITTEE

5.5.1. COMMITTEE MEMBERS

A Mark Committee is formed. Its nominative composition is approved by LNE, each member having been informed thereof by the latter.

The attributions of the mark committee are to give an opinion on files presented in the event of an appeal against a decision.

The committee must give these opinions in compliance with principles of impartiality.

The recommendations of the Brand Committee are adopted unanimously unless otherwise stated in the minutes.

It can be consulted by LNE on any file within the content of its surveillance activities.

All committee members undertake to:- contribute their expertise to the operation of the NF mark,- maintain confidentiality on all information of an individual nature that is provided, and

until this publication by AFNOR Certification or LNE,- attend meetings regularly, and if necessary, regularly inform their deputy, and to

communicate all relevant documents,- contribute to the development of the NF mark that is to say, promote products or

services certified under the mark.

The members have a two-year mandate, renewable by tacit agreement.

In order to preserve the credibility and effectiveness of the Committee's work, LNE reserves the right to terminate a member's mandate in the following cases:

- non-compliance with the confidentiality agreement,- repeated unjustified absences from Committee meetings,- Failure, in general, to comply with the above commitments.

The chairman of the Mark Committee is appointed under the same conditions, after consulting the Mark Committee. He conducts the committee and works towards obtaining consensus of opinions. The rule is alternation between the colleges. However, the mandate of the chairman may be extended by one or more years if no candidate representing another college presents himself.

Members of the Mark Committee exercise their functions on a strictly individual basis. However, if a member is absent, a proxy is appointed by LNE.

LNE draws up the minutes of comments and proposals made during a committee meeting. These minutes are sent to all members of the Mark Committee.

If necessary LNE invites AFNOR Certification to take part in committee meetings.

Within the context of the revision of these certification rules, LNE organises the consultation and validation of the certification reference standard (in accordance with the requirements of the NF X 50-067 standard, in consultation with AFNOR Certification as a participating party).


Part 5 – page 4

5.5.2. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

1 Chairman (appointed by the Committee members)

Vice-Chairmen:1 representative of the authorised body: LNE - Pôle Certification Plurisectorielle (Multisectional Certification Unit)

Suppliers, Manufacturers

1 representative of Elipso organization (designated by Elipso)1 to 4 representative of Mark holders of one of the following two groups:• manufacturers producing less than 4000 T• or manufacturers producing more than 4000 T

Users and distributors 1 representative of the Service de la Ville de Paris (Cleanliness Department)1 representatives of supermarkets1 representative of the Fédération Nationale des Activités de la Dépollution et de l’Environnement (FNADE)

Experts, technical organisations1 representative of the test laboratories 1 representative of the Bureau de Normalisation des Plastiques et de la Plasturgie (BNPP/Plastics and plastic working standardisation bureau)

Each representative shall designate his alternate. The alternate may not be from the samecompany as the representative.

The committee is consulted with the group representing the ad hoc holders on the basis of the file(s) submitted for the recourse to an LNE decision.

5.6. ORIENTATION COMMISSION

5.6.1. COMMISSION MEMBERS

An Orientation Commission is set up. All the holders, experts and possibly the various interested parties are invited to participate to the orientation committee.

The attributions of the orientation commission are to:- give an opinion on the certification rules and their evolution;- give an opinion on projects for communication or promotional activities relating to the

mark. A special budget, validated in discussion with the commission, is set aside for promotional actions;

- give an opinion on the synthesis of all the checks carried out.The commission must give these opinions in compliance with principles of impartiality.

The recommendations of the Orientation Committee are adopted unanimously unless otherwise indicated in the report.

The LNE calls the members of the commission together or informs them in writing at least once a year to present a résumé of all the checks performed.


Part 5 – page 5

All members of the commission undertake to:- contribute by their expertise to the proper operation of the NF mark,- maintain confidentiality on all individual information provided to them, until its

publication by AFNOR Certification or the LNE,- take part regularly in meetings, and if applicable inform their deputies regularly and

communicate the documents to them,- contribute to the development of the NF mark, that is, promote the products or

services certified under the mark.

The members have a mandate renewable by tacit agreement.

To preserve the credibility and effectiveness of the work of the Commission, the LNE reserves the possibility of terminating the mandate of a member in the following situations:

- failure to respect the confidentiality undertaking,- repeated absences to meetings without justification,- a general failure to respect the above undertakings.

The LNE conducts the commission and works towards obtaining consensus of opinions.

Members of the orientation commission exercise their functions on a strictly individual basis.However, if a member is absent, a substitute may be appointed under the same principles as above.

The LNE draws up the minutes of a commission meeting, indicating the observations and proposals made and any position contrary to the opinion of the Commission. These minutes are sent to all members of the Orientation Commission.

If necessary the LNE invites AFNOR Certification to take part in commission meetings.

Within the context of the revision of these certification rules, the LNE organises the consultation and validation of the certification reference standard (in accordance with the requirements of the NF X 50-067 standard, in consultation with AFNOR Certification as a participating party).

5.6.2. MEMBERS OF THE ORIENTATION COMMISSION

The orientation commission is composed of a representation of the interested parties associated with the NF Mark Alcohol testers. The list of commission members detailed below is indicative, non-exhaustive and may be amended as necessary. The complete list of the members of the commission is kept up to date by the LNE.

Certification body1 representative of the authorized organization LNE – Multisectional Certification Unit (PôleCertification Plurisectorielle)

Manufacturers, DistributorsAll the holders of the NF mark.

Users and prescribersRepresentatives of :- the supermarkets- the Service de la Ville de Paris (Cleanliness Department)- the Fédération Nationale des Activités de la Dépollution et de l’Environnement (FNADE)


Part 5 – page 6

Organisations, laboratories and expertsThe representative(s) of the test laboratoriesA representative of the Bureau de Normalisation des Plastiques et de la Plasturgie (BNPP/Plastics and plastic working standardisation bureau)

5.7. WORKING GROUP

To manage certain non-recurrent tasks of a technical nature not requiring the members of the Mark Committee or Orientation commission to meet, a working group can be created, its members being appointed in person and chosen from the members of the Mark Committeeor Orientation Commission.

Professionals or other persons may be called in from outside.

The missions of this working group are specified by the Mark Committee or Orientation commission. Its powers are generally limited to preparing projects or proposals or supplying additional information on a given subject on behalf of the Mark Committee or Orientation Commission.

5.8. LNE READING COMMITTEE

The reading committee is responsible for rendering an opinion on the certification decision and is composed of at least:

- one management representative (who can act as certification project manager having not participated in the audit),

- a certification project head independent of the file presented (who has not participated in the audit and is not in charge of the file),

- a certification project head in charge of presenting the file.

The committee is chaired by the LNE management representative.

The reading committee is responsible for:- reviewing the audit and test reports and formulating an opinion and a

recommendation on the decisions to be taken,- where appropriate, considering in the first instance appeals against decisions of LNE

and formulating an opinion on the follow-up,- evaluating the quality of reports.

CERTIFICATION RULES


PART 6

APPLICABLE FEES – TERMS OF PAYMENT

CONTENTS

6.1. Applicable fees

6.2. Terms of payment

Rev. 19 - August 2018


Part 6 – page 2

The pricing schedule for the current year is available free of charge on LNE's website (www.lne.fr) or on request from LNE.

6.1. APPLICABLE FEES (in € pre-tax)

Fees for the services involved in obtaining certification and surveillance of certified products are indicated in a list of charges which may be revised annually. The list of charges for the current year is sent to all holders of the mark.

A special budget, decided each year in discussion with the committee, is set aside for promotional actions.

The fees are given in Euros, excluding tax. With regard to test fees, samples must be delivered to the Mark laboratory carriage-free and customs-cleared if necessary.

6.1.1. INVOICING OF LIVING AND TRAVELLING EXPENSES

Living and travelling costs are payable by the applicant or holder. They are invoiced as follows:

Travel in mainland France

Living and travelling expenses relating to a single-site audit are subject to a fixed charge.

In case of refusal of the fixed charge by the customer, or in the case of a multi-site audit, billing of living and travelling expenses corresponds to the actual costs with an additional administrative management fee thereof.

Travel outside mainland France

Food and accommodation expenses incurred by LNE (except those directly paid by the manufacturer) are subject to an all-in charge according to the scale applicable to the country concerned.

Travelling expenses incurred by LNE (except those directly paid by the manufacturer) are subject to an invoice based on their actual cost.

6.1.2. CANCELLATION OF AN AUDIT

Cancellation of an audit whose date has been fixed by agreement between LNE and the audited company is invoiced as follows:

cancellation 15 days to 8 days before the scheduled date: 50 % of the audit feecancellation 7 to 3 days before the scheduled date: 75 % of the audit feecancellation 2 days before the scheduled date: 100 % of the audit fee.

Travelling expenses can be invoiced up to 100% if they are not reimbursable or subject to retention/penalties.


Part 6 – page 3

6.2. TERMS OF PAYMENT

6.2.1. COLLECTING PAYMENT

LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE METROLOGIE ET D'ESSAIS, the mandated body, is empowered to collect all payments.

Invoices issued by LNE must be paid within 45 days.

The applicant or holder must settle these invoices under the terms set out: any failure on the part of the holder will prevent LNE from exercising the inspection and operating responsibilities incumbent on it by virtue of these regulations.

If the first enforcement order, sent by recorded delivery, does not result in payment of the total amount due within one month, LNE will be entitled to take precautionary measures with regard to the certifications issued under the NF mark, for all the holder's accepted products.

6.2.2. OBTAINING CERTIFICATION

The services correspond to examination of the files, the audits and tests, for each application.

The fee for examination of the file is paid as a single sum when the application is filed and covers file examination, presenting the file to the Committee and the contribution to the general management of the mark.

No fees relating to examination of the application can be refunded, regardless of the result of the examination.

6.2.3. CERTIFIED PRODUCT SURVEILLANCE

Invoicing covers the right to use the NF mark, passed on to AFNOR Certification, file monitoring, the audit and tests.

If acceptance is granted during the course of the year, the amounts invoiced correspond to the services provided, file monitoring (technical investigation of the case) is invoiced pro rata temporis.

Once a product has been certified, an annual fee for the right to use the NF mark is invoiced by LNE to the holder and passed on to AFNOR Certification.

This licence fee is intended to cover:

- general operation of the NF mark (monitoring of bodies in the NF network, management of the NF Mark committee)

- defence of the NF mark: filing and protecting the mark, legal advice, processing ofunauthorised use of the NF mark, legal costs,

- contribution to the general promotion of the NF mark.

The amount relative to the file monitoring (technical examination of the file) remains due even if the certification is withdrawn or suspended following a decision by LNE or at the holder’s request.


Part 6 – page 4

Inspections continue for as long as stocks of NF-marked products remain at the holder's premises, and the corresponding fees continue to be charged since file monitoring (technical examination of the file) is invoiced pro rata temporis.

6.2.4. ADDITIONAL VERIFICATIONS

Costs resulting from additional verifications resulting from a decision by LNE are payable by the applicant/holder, regardless of the results.

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