European UnionProposed

Green Claims Directive

EU Green Claims Directive

A proposed EU directive setting rules on how companies can substantiate and communicate voluntary environmental claims, to curb greenwashing.

Last updated

The proposed EU Green Claims Directive aims to set common rules on how companies substantiate and communicate voluntary environmental claims to consumers, such as statements that a product is "climate neutral" or "eco-friendly". Its goal is to make green claims reliable, comparable, and verifiable, and to reduce greenwashing.

Under the proposal, companies making covered environmental claims would have to substantiate them with evidence, have them verified, and communicate them in line with set requirements. It is intended to work alongside broader EU consumer-protection measures on misleading environmental claims and the regulation of environmental labels.

As a proposal, the directive's scope, requirements, and timing depend on the outcome of the EU legislative process, and the text and even its progress have been subject to change. Practitioners confirm current status against the official source rather than assuming the proposal as drafted.

If adopted, the directive would increase demand for skills in claims substantiation, lifecycle assessment, and sustainability communications compliance.

Who it applies to

Companies making voluntary environmental claims to consumers in the EU, if and as the directive is finalized. The proposal has moved through the EU legislative process and its final form and status can change.

Key dates

2023-03
European Commission proposed the Green Claims Directive

Official source

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/green-claims_en

Related roles

Jobs related to Green Claims Directive on JustJoinESG: