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Environmental labels (or ecolabels) and environmental management system certification programs, like MEAs, are touted as a possible solution to the problems with PPMs mentioned earlier. That is, rather than governments dictating by law which PPMs are acceptable, consumers can decide for themselves, informed by labels and certifications, and purchase accordingly. Unlike government laws and regulations, these are voluntary tools, providing information that helps consumers make informed choices. Ecolabels inform consumers about a specific product, whereas EMS certification schemes tell them something about the companies (or parts thereof) that produce the products. This section first defines the two instruments, and then looks at how they might interact with the rules of international trade.
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