# ISO 14067 vs GHG Protocol Product Standard: A Practical Comparison for MSME Exporters

Canonical: https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/iso-14067-vs-ghg-protocol-product-standard-explained

Published 2026-05-06.

Most MSMEs hear "product carbon footprint" and assume one global rulebook exists. There are two, and they disagree on subtle but expensive details.

## What each standard actually covers

ISO 14067:2018 defines how to quantify a product carbon footprint and is widely referenced by buyers and verifiers. The GHG Protocol Product Standard, published by WRI/WBCSD, is older, freely available, and more prescriptive on data quality scoring.

| Dimension | ISO 14067 | GHG Protocol Product |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scope | Single impact (climate) | Single impact (climate) |
| Boundary defaults | Cradle-to-grave; cradle-to-gate allowed if justified | Cradle-to-grave preferred |
| Allocation hierarchy | Subdivision → system expansion → physical → economic | Same hierarchy, more examples |
| Biogenic carbon | Reported separately | Reported separately |
| Verification | ISO 14064-3 | Independent assurance recommended |

## Where MSMEs get tripped up

Some EU buyers ask for "ISO 14067 compliant" PCFs by name. A GHG Protocol PCF is not automatically rejected, but you will be asked to map it.

### Practical rule

If you export to the EU, default to ISO 14067 cradle-to-gate with a documented allocation method. Use our [Product Carbon Footprint calculator](https://senseible.earth/calculators/product-carbon-footprint); the engine is aligned to both standards and outputs a buyer-ready breakdown.

## What to document either way

- Functional unit (e.g. 1 kg of finished steel rod)
- System boundary diagram with included and excluded processes
- Primary vs secondary data percentage
- Emission factor source for every line
- Allocation method and the share applied

Keep this in one PDF next to your invoice template. Auditors do not want to chase files.

## Related guides

- [How do we maintain historical carbon data when methodologies change?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/maintain-historical-carbon-data-methodology-changes)
- [What are the different types of carbon credits in voluntary markets?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/carbon-credit-types-voluntary-markets)
- [How do we select the right emission factors for our calculations?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/emission-factors-selection-guidance)