The Good Housekeeping Seal: FAQs
What is the LIMITED WARRANTY offered by Good Housekeeping for the Good Housekeeping Seal and the Green Good Housekeeping Seal?
Throughout its history, consumers have interpreted the Good Housekeeping Seal to be a "stamp of approval" or an indication of a "good product," but many do not realize that the Good Housekeeping Seal and the Green Good Housekeeping Seal are actually emblems of Good Housekeeping's Consumers Policy. This policy offers a limited warranty in the form of a refund, repair or replacement if the product carrying our Seal is found to be defective within two years of purchase.
How does a product earn the Good Housekeeping Seal and the Green Good Housekeeping Seal?
A product is submitted by a company to the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) and is evaluated by the scientists and engineers in our labs. We have six labs: Health, Beauty, and Environmental Sciences; Textiles, Paper, and Plastic Lab; Nutrition Lab; Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab; Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab; and Consumer Electronics and Engineering Lab. Evaluation of the product includes reviewing product effectiveness, as well as packaging and marketing claims. And, if appropriate, additional testing by our experts is conducted. If a product has been approved for the classic Seal, the company can choose to apply for the Green Good Housekeeping Seal. It will then be reviewed on a wide range of environmental criteria—from ingredients, material and composition to energy, water and waste reduction in manufacturing processes to packaging and distribution to energy and water usage during product use, as well as corporate social responsibility. All responses require substantiation. The product will earn the Green Good Housekeeping Seal if it earns at least a 65 on a 100-point scale, a mainstream bar set by Good Housekeeping for environmental responsibility. Companies are asked to provide additional documentation and substantiation.
There are already so many labels, awards and certifications — what makes the Good Housekeeping's Seals more valuable to consumers?
In a marketplace glutted with products that make a vast number of claims, Good Housekeeping Seals offer consumers the guidance they need to make smart purchases. In addition, the Good Housekeeping Seals' limited two-year warranty gives consumer financial protection that other labels, certifications, and editorial recommendations or consumer awards do not.
Do all products featured in Good Housekeeping have the Good Housekeeping Seal?
No. While some of the products recommended editorially may have the Good Housekeeping Seal, not all have earned our Seal. Get a complete list of products that have undergone the necessary evaluation to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.
How many products have the Good Housekeeping Seal?
New products are being evaluated for the Seal every day, so the number is constantly changing. At this time, there are thousands of products with the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with a product that has the Good Housekeeping Seal?
If a Seal product becomes defective within two years after purchase, send an email to [email protected] to request a customer complaint form be sent to you. You will be asked to describe the product, where and when it was purchased, the price paid and the problem you are experiencing. You will be asked to provide an itemized receipt and, if necessary, we may ask you to inspect the product.
Who should I contact if I would like to submit a product for the Good Housekeeping Seal or the Green Good Housekeeping Seal?
Please send an email to [email protected] if you are interested in submitting a product to be reviewed for the Good Housekeeping Seal. Please provide the name and location of your company, the name and type of product you'd like to submit, and your contact information. Please note that if you want to submit a product for editorial (and not Seal) consideration, refer to the editorial or GHI masthead in a current issue of Good Housekeeping magazine to find the appropriate contact for your product category.
Are there certain products or services that cannot get the Good Housekeeping LIMITED WARRANTY Seal?
Yes. There are certain categories that are not eligible for this Seal. This list includes: insurance; financial/investment services and products; realty (including housing of any kind); franchise operations; automotive and camping vehicles; public transportation; travel facilities and hotels; catalogs and merchandise portfolios; "Shopping by Mail" items; premiums and prizes; schools, summer camps, and similar organizations; contraceptives, prescribed drugs, and medical procedures, facilities and some devices (including cosmetic ones); alcoholic beverages; services (such as cleaning and repair services and Internet access providers); unbranded food products and branded deli foods not sold in individual packages; products sold only to the trade; self-diagnostic devices; diet plans; contact lenses; fire alarms and suppressants; carbon monoxide detectors; home security systems and devices; infant/toddler car seats and restraints; swim aids, flotation devices, and pool toys; and institutional advertisements. Other exclusions apply; please see our warranty for more details.
How can I get the Good Housekeeping Seal for my product?
If you are interested in getting the Good Housekeeping Seal, click here to send us an email.
For more information about the Seal, read about How the GH Limited Warranty Seal Protects You
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