“Eco-friendly” and “climate neutral” labels: banned from September

Generic green claims without proof become illegal EU-wide on 27 September.

From 27 September, the Empowering Consumers Directive bans generic environmental claims — “eco-friendly”, “green”, “climate friendly” — unless the company can prove them, and outlaws “carbon neutral” claims built on buying offsets. Sustainability labels must come from approved certification schemes or public authorities.

For youThat CO₂-neutral sticker on your groceries disappears unless it’s real. Fewer green fairy tales at the shelf.

Next: The stricter Green Claims Directive was shelved in 2025 — its withdrawal was announced but never formalised. Watch for a slimmed-down comeback.

Verified against the sources above on 18 July 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.