EU · EMPCOApplying since 27 September 2026 through national laws.
Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo)
Directive (EU) 2024/825
EmpCo adds green claims and durability tricks to the EU list of commercial practices that are always banned. Generic eco-claims without proof, sustainability labels without certification and 'carbon neutral' product claims based on offsetting are now illegal in marketing to consumers. Traders must also inform consumers about durability, repairability and guarantees.
Who is covered
Every trader in consumer marketing: brands, retailers, online sellers and marketplaces acting as traders. No size exemption.
Your duties
- Use sustainability labels only when based on a certification scheme or set up by public authorities
- No generic claims ('eco-friendly', 'green', 'climate friendly') without recognised excellent environmental performance (for example EU Ecolabel)
- Do not claim for the whole product what applies to one part
- No 'neutral', 'reduced' or 'positive' climate claims for a product based on offsetting
- Do not present legal requirements as a special feature
- Back future claims ('net zero by 2040') with a public plan and independent verification
- No false durability or repairability claims; inform about guarantees, repairability and software updates
Product data it needs
- Each environmental claim: wording, what it covers, evidence
- Sustainability labels used: scheme, certification body, certificate number and expiry
- Evidence of excellent environmental performance (e.g. EU Ecolabel licence)
- Future targets: plan, verifier, report link
- Durability: commercial guarantee, repairability score, spare parts and software update period
How xProduct helps
- Certificates and evidence behind passport claims
- Passport score: how much of the passport is backed by evidence
Does this rule apply to you?
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