Samsung Galaxy S4 has won many accolades for its design and performance, and the smartphone adds one more feather in its cap by becoming the first smartphone to win TCO certification.

The device has become first to achieve internationally recognized requirements for environmental design and socially responsible manufacturing.

According to a TCO Development press release, the new certification was launched by TCO Development, an independent organization with over twenty years experience of sustainability certifications for IT products. Criteria in TCO Certified Smartphones are developed from a life cycle perspective, including requirements for socially responsible manufacturing, health/safety and the reduction of hazardous materials. Product compliance is verified by an independent, accredited third party.

Responding to the achievement of the Galaxy S4, CEO & President, IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics, JK Shin, said, "The demand for environmentally friendly products informed our decision making process when we were creating the Galaxy S4. We are delighted to be the first smartphone manufacturer to be TCO Certified as this validates our approach to sustainability."

"This is the second significant certificate the Galaxy S4 has received since its release as we were also awarded Platinum ECOLOGO certification from UL. Our customers can trust that every device we release to the market is sustainable and environmentally friendly," he added.

After giving away the TCO certificate, CEO of TCO Development, Sören Enholm, said, "We're really pleased to see a smartphone available on the market that meets the requirements in TCO Certified Smartphones."

"While it's great to see a leading brand like Samsung choose TCO Certified, it 's vital that other responsible brands also certify their smartphones and do their part to advance mobile products towards a more sustainable future," he added.

The shipments of the Samsung Galaxy S4 surged past 6 million units within 3 weeks of market launch and is expected to hit 10 million units next week. This will make Galaxy S4 the fastest selling smartphone of the year.