CAM in public tenders: the Minimum Environmental Criteria for cleaning

Updated on 2026-07-06

What the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for cleaning services are, who they apply to, what requirements products must meet and how to demonstrate compliance in public tenders.

What the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) are

The CAM are the environmental requirements defined by the Ministry of the Environment to make Public Administration purchases "green" (Green Public Procurement). For cleaning services and hygiene products there are specific CAM that public bodies must include in tenders, under the Public Contracts Code.

Who they apply to

They concern public bodies that tender cleaning services (schools, offices, hospitals, municipalities) and, consequently, the cleaning companies that take part in tenders: they must use products and procedures compliant with the CAM to meet the specifications.

The requirements of compliant products

Products must have reduced-environmental-impact characteristics (limits on hazardous substances, biodegradability, packaging). Holding the EU Ecolabel mark is a recognised way to demonstrate compliance with many criteria. Efficient machines and paper with environmental certifications also fall within the CAM logic.

How to demonstrate compliance in a tender

During the tender you must document compliance with the CAM: product certifications (e.g. EU Ecolabel), technical and safety data sheets, manufacturer declarations. Having a supplier who provides this documentation in an orderly way simplifies participation.

How Dipres supports CAM tenders

We offer products meeting the Minimum Environmental Criteria and, where possible, EU Ecolabel certified, together with the technical and safety documentation needed to take part in tenders. We support bodies and cleaning companies in choosing compliant solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Are the CAM mandatory in public tenders?

Yes: the inclusion of CAM in Public Administration tenders is required by the Public Contracts Code for the categories for which they have been adopted.

Is EU Ecolabel enough to prove CAM compliance?

EU Ecolabel is a recognised means to demonstrate compliance with many criteria, but compliance must be verified against the specific CAM and tender specifications.