ECGT Directive
Directive (EU) 2024/825 — Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition
Topic : Green claims · Level : Regional
Today
Applies since 27 Sep 2026 via national laws; transposition was due 27 Mar 2026.
Summary
EU directive amending consumer law to ban generic green claims, offset-based neutrality claims and self-made sustainability labels. National rules apply from 27 Sep 2026 to all traders selling to EU consumers.
Who is concerned
- Turnover
- non précisé
- Employees
- non précisé
- Listed company
- cotées et non cotées
- Sectors
- All B2C sectors
- Triggering activities
- Environmental claims to EU consumers
- Sustainability labels on products
- Durability or repairability claims
- Extraterritorial reach
- Yes
Applies to any trader selling to EU consumers, wherever established.
- Examples
- Asian brand selling on EU marketplaces
- EU retailer with 'eco' private labels
What the law requires
- Stop generic claims (e.g. 'eco-friendly') without recognised excellent performance
- Stop claims that a product is climate neutral based on offsetting
- Use only sustainability labels based on certification schemes or public authorities
- Substantiate future performance claims with an independently verified plan
Penalties
Set by Member States. FR: up to €1.5m (firms), 10% of turnover or 80% of ad spend for green claims. DE: UWG civil claims. EU cases: >=4%.
What this changes for a supplier in China
EU buyers remove unsupported claims and ask Chinese suppliers for certified proof behind any label, recycled content or durability statement.
Expected evidence
- Third-party certificates (e.g. GRS, FSC)
- Test reports for durability claims
- Product carbon data without offsets
Tiers : Tier 1-2