IBU mutual recognition for U.S. program operators
Publishing once and selling on both sides of the Atlantic sounds too good to be true. Mutual recognition between IBU in Europe and select U.S. program operators makes it practical, cutting duplicate reviews and putting your EPD where specifiers actually look.
What mutual recognition really does
Mutual recognition means an independently verified IBU EPD can be listed by a partner program operator in another market without a fresh verification. You gain visibility in that registry and keep one technical core. Think of it like streaming rights for your product data across platforms.
The two live U.S. pathways from IBU
IBU currently recognizes two U.S. programs for cross‑listing: Smart EPD and UL Solutions. Each accepts an IBU EPD that aligns with their rules, and each has small but important extras you should plan for.
Smart EPD: the rapid bridge
Smart EPD accepts IBU EPDs when the EN 15804 content is mapped to ISO 21930 and the TRACI 2.1 results table is included. IBU notes a fixed administrative fee of 540 USD for the Smart EPD listing, paid to Smart EPD (IBU, 2025) (IBU, 2025). Keep documents in English and expect a new title page and declaration number on the receiving registry. That is normal.
UL Solutions: same idea, different extras
For UL Solutions, plan for U.S. impact reporting as documented by TRACI. The life cycle model rarely changes materially. The difference is in method outputs and formatting. Teams that prepare the TRACI 2.1 table during LCA creation avoid rework later.
Plan the data once, use it twice
Model to EN 15804+A2 for Europe. At the same time export ISO 21930‑compatible results and TRACI 2.1 indicators for North America. Lock units, declared unit, scenarios, and cut‑offs early so verifiers see the same story in both venues. We recommend baking these exports into your background report template while data owners are engaged, not after publication.
Timelines and validity windows
Most construction EPDs carry a five‑year validity under program rules. Publishing in the second registry early in that window preserves more runway for sales and specifications (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024). If dates are tight, confirm verifier capacity before you promise launch timing to the field.
U.S. quirks to account for
The U.S. market often expects TRACI‑based indicators and U.S.‑centric language in the EPD. Country‑specific nuances exist and should be assessed during scoping, not at the eleventh hour (IBU, 2024) (IBU, 2024). If you plan to target specific databases or state programs, align phrasing and references to those expectations.
A simple cross‑listing playbook
- Scope for both markets during LCA kickoff: EN 15804 outputs, ISO 21930 mapping, TRACI 2.1 table.
- Confirm the target operator’s admin requirements and order forms. Note Smart EPD’s fee if applicable (IBU, 2025).
- Have your verifier check the extra tables and any title‑page changes before submission.
- Publish, then promote the registry links where your specifiers shop for data.
Why this matters commercially
Without mutual recognition, teams end up paying in time and attention, not just money. The hidden cost is momentum. Cross‑listing keeps one EPD engine feeding two front doors, so sales avoids the “we’ll get back to you next quarter” stall. It’s a small operational tweak that compounds in bid cycles. Dont leave that on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which U.S. program operators does IBU currently recognize for mutual recognition and cross‑listing?
IBU lists Smart EPD and UL Solutions as current U.S. partners for mutual recognition. Each requires specific additions, such as TRACI 2.1 results, before cross‑listing.
What extra content do I need to add for U.S. cross‑listing from an IBU EPD?
Include ISO 21930 mapping and a TRACI 2.1 results table. UL Solutions expects TRACI‑based indicators. Smart EPD also expects ISO 21930 alignment and TRACI 2.1 per IBU guidance.
How much does Smart EPD charge for cross‑listing an IBU EPD?
IBU states a 540 USD administrative fee payable to Smart EPD for mutual recognition listings (IBU, 2025) (IBU, 2025).
How long is my EPD valid once published, and does cross‑listing change that?
Most programs set five‑year validity. Cross‑listing does not reset the clock, so publish early in the validity window to maximize value (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024).
Do I need a new verification to appear in a U.S. registry?
Under mutual recognition, no new verification is required. You do need to satisfy the receiving program’s additional formatting and reporting items, which can be handled during initial LCA and EPD preparation.
About the Author
Eric works at the intersection of sustainability, regulation, and business strategy, helping manufacturers navigate the evolving landscape of EPDs and LCAs. Having spoken with hundreds of teams across North America, brings a deep understanding of what drives ROI, what regulators are asking for, and how companies can stay ahead with smart, scalable approaches to environmental reporting.
