Catena-X PCF – Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Catena-X Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Q&A. This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about accessibility, methodology, PCF data exchange, and business value within Catena-X.
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Accessibility
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Where do I find the Catena-X PCF Rulebook? | The PCF Rulebook (Product Carbon Footprint Rulebook) and the PCF Verification Framework can be found in the official Catena-X Standard Library. See the overview of the non-functional CX-Standards here: Non-Functional Standards Overview. You may change the release via the dropdown to browse through the versions. |
| 2 | Where do I find the Catena-X PCF Verification Framework? | See the PCF Verification Framework document here: PCF Verification Framework PDF. |
| 3 | Where do I find the PCF Exchange Standard CX-0136? | You can find the PCF Exchange Standard CX-0136 here: CX-0136 Standard. |
| 4 | Where do I find PCF guidance documents? | Additional PCF guidance documents can be found on the Catena-X Campus: Campus Online Library. Direct link to the PCF Calculation Guidance: PCF Calculation Guidance PDF. |
| 5 | Where do I find the Catena-X PCF Data Model? | The PCF Data Model is stored in the Tractus-X semantic model library: PCF Data Model on GitHub. |
| 6 | Can I use a PCF calculated according to other industry PCF guidelines for Catena-X? | Yes – PCFs based on other industry guidelines can be used if they meet the Catena-X PCF Rulebook requirements and are mapped to the Catena-X PCF Exchange Data Model: PCF Data Model on GitHub. |
| 7 | Which PCF-related Catena-X Expert Groups do exist? | Please refer to the overview on the Catena-X website: Expert Groups & Committees at Catena-X. |
| 8 | How can I become active in one of the PCF-related Expert Groups? | To become active in a PCF-related Expert Group, Catena-X Association member organizations must apply during the application phase or after the group is initiated and validated via sustainability@catena-x.net. Only one person per company can participate per group. |
| 9 | Which PCF Rulebook version does IMDS use in the Release published in July 2025? | IMDS references version 3.0 of the PCF Rulebook; attributes are based on Catena-X Data Exchange Format 7.0.0. Updates are planned. |
| 10 | How do I become a certified Catena-X PCF Attestation Provider? | To become a certified Catena-X PCF Attestation Provider, you must meet the Catena-X requirements and complete the certification process. Detailed information and the application process can be found here: Catena-X PCF Attestation Provider. |
| 11 | Where do I find currently certified Catena-X PCF Attestation Providers? | You can find the list of currently certified Catena-X PCF Attestation Providers on the Catena-X Academy website: Certified PCF Attestation Providers. |
PCF Exchange
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can I still use my own secondary data or do I have to use the Catena-X secondary database? | You can still use your own secondary data. The Catena-X secondary database becomes an option, not a requirement. |
| 2 | What data model or submodel is used for PCF in Catena-X? | The PCF aspect model is written in SAMM 2.1.0. Additional details here: List of standalone standards. |
| 3 | What is the PCF data format — JSON-LD, AAS submodel, or something else? | The PCF exchange API MUST use JSON as the payload. |
| 4 | How is PCF data exchanged in Catena-X? | PCF data is exchanged in Catena-X via the Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC). Companies can choose between (1) ready-to-use PCF apps with a fully hosted connector, (2) managed EDC services operated by a service provider, or (3) self-managed EDC deployments based on Tractus-X components. |
| 5 | How is my PCF data kept secure and who can see it? | Access follows data sovereignty principles; only partners with a valid Supplier–Customer relationship and BPN can request PCF datasets. |
| 6 | Which tools or apps can I use to create PCF data for Catena-X? | Any solution following the Rulebook methodology can be used. There are several certified PCF Calculation and Exchange solutions on the Cofinity-X marketplace: Certified PCF APPs. |
| 7 | How do I onboard my company to start sharing PCF in Catena-X? | To onboard your company for sharing PCF in Catena-X, you need a Business Partner Number (BPN), a working connector (hosted or self-managed), and registration in the Catena-X portal. You can work with qualified Catena-X service providers who support BPN acquisition, connector setup, and onboarding. A direct entry point for onboarding is available here: Cofinity-X Onboarding. |
Methodology
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Many semiconductor companies use their own PCF methods. Are there plans to bring them to the Catena-X PCF Rulebook? | Yes, there are ongoing discussions with Semiconductor X and others to harmonize and compare methodologies. |
| 2 | What exactly is PCF in Catena-X and how is it defined? | PCF is the total GHG emissions during the life cycle of a product (CO2eq). Use- and end-of-life phases are excluded in Catena-X. |
| 3 | Is Catena-X PCF aligned with GHG Protocol, ISO 14067, or PACT? | Yes — Catena-X PCF builds on ISO 14067 and ISO 14040/44 and is aligned with PACT. The PCF Exchange Data Model is interoperable with the PACT PCF Datamodel. |
| 4 | How does Catena-X calculate PCF — do I calculate it or does the platform? | Companies calculate PCFs themselves using LCA tools according to the PCF Rulebook and then share the results via connectors/apps in the decentralized Catena-X dataspace. |
| 5 | What’s the difference between primary data and secondary data in PCF reporting? | Primary data = company-specific measurements; secondary data = databases (e.g., ecoinvent). See glossary in the PCF Rulebook. |
| 6 | Do I need to include cradle-to-grave or just cradle-to-gate values? | Catena-X requires cradle-to-gate. |
| 7 | How are allocation rules handled in Catena-X PCF calculations? | Allocation rules follow a decision tree (chapter 5.1.2). For recycled materials, Catena-X uses the cut-off approach (chapter 5.1.5.1, Rulebook v4). |
Business Value
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How does PCF in Catena-X help with CSRD compliance? | Catena-X enables collecting standardized PCF data usable for Scope 3 accounting. |
| 2 | How does PCF in Catena-X support EU Battery Regulation compliance? | Catena-X supports exchange of PCF data required for the Battery Passport. More detail follows after the delegated act is final. |
| 3 | Is the PCF used in the Battery Passport within Catena-X? | Yes — PCF data is a mandatory attribute for any Battery Passport. |
| 4 | How does PCF reporting help with OEM tenders or supply chain requirements? | OEMs increasingly request PCF data for tenders. From version 4 Rulebook includes rules for prospective PCFs used in tenders. |
Notice
This work is licensed under the CC-BY-4.0
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