“Eco-friendly” and “climate neutral” claims without proof are now banned

Since 27 September, vague green claims and offset-based “carbon neutral” labels are illegal EU-wide.

Since 27 September 2026 the Empowering Consumers Directive applies across the EU. Generic claims such as “eco-friendly”, “green” or “climate friendly” are banned unless the company can show recognised excellent environmental performance, and claims that a product is “carbon neutral” because the maker bought offsets are banned outright. Sustainability labels must come from a certification scheme or a public authority. The same law bans tricks that shorten a product’s life, such as hiding that a software update will slow a device, and shops must now show a standard EU notice about your two-year legal guarantee.

For youTreat any green label without a named certification scheme as a red flag, and report it to your national consumer authority. Look for the new EU guarantee notice in shops and online.

Next: Not every country has written the rules into national law: on 28 May 2026 the Commission sent formal warnings to 20 member states. The stricter Green Claims Directive is still blocked; the Commission said in June 2025 it intended to withdraw it but has not done so formally.

Verified against the sources above on 29 September 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.