{"id":46834,"date":"2026-05-04T10:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T08:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/empco-richtlinie\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T10:44:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T08:44:16","slug":"empco-directive","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/","title":{"rendered":"EmpCo directive"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='full_slider_1'  class='avia-fullwidth-slider main_color avia-shadow   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-first   container_wrap fullsize'  ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-xgq8kxs-cd416e527bc6aa013bc63946bdd59dc6 avia-slideshow-no scaling av_slideshow_full avia-slide-slider av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied   avia-slideshow-1' data-slideshow-options=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;loop_autoplay&quot;:&quot;once&quot;,&quot;interval&quot;:5,&quot;loop_manual&quot;:&quot;manual-endless&quot;,&quot;autoplay_stopper&quot;:false,&quot;noNavigation&quot;:false,&quot;bg_slider&quot;:false,&quot;keep_padding&quot;:false,&quot;hoverpause&quot;:false,&quot;show_slide_delay&quot;:0}\"  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><ul class='avia-slideshow-inner' style='padding-bottom: 33.333333333333%;'><li  class='avia-slideshow-slide av-xgq8kxs-cd416e527bc6aa013bc63946bdd59dc6__0  av-single-slide slide-1 slide-odd'><div data-rel='slideshow-1' class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-46509 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-46509\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1.jpg\" width=\"1500\" height=\"500\" title='EmpCo directive BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT' alt='Natural landscape as a symbol of sustainability and environmental claims under the EMPCO Directive, BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT'  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  style='min-height:200px; min-width:600px; ' srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1.jpg 1500w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1-300x100.jpg 300w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1-1030x343.jpg 1030w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1-768x256.jpg 768w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EmpCo-Richtlinie-1-705x235.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-wkb8u3k-a719a191f806f540ddd380d1134f43d8\">\n.avia-section.av-wkb8u3k-a719a191f806f540ddd380d1134f43d8{\nbackground-repeat:repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/pattern-bg-2.svg);\nbackground-position:0% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-wkb8u3k-a719a191f806f540ddd380d1134f43d8 main_color avia-section-large avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_slideshow_full  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='repeat'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-46834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-w0mgaf4-b57c68e9c214edb48eabd6bf21f367f4 sc-av_two_fifth av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-w0mgaf4-b57c68e9c214edb48eabd6bf21f367f4\">\n.flex_column.av-w0mgaf4-b57c68e9c214edb48eabd6bf21f367f4{\nwidth:38.2%;\nmargin-left:0;\npadding:0 110px 0 0;\n}\n#top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-w0mgaf4-b57c68e9c214edb48eabd6bf21f367f4 .av-flex-placeholder{\nwidth:3%;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-w0mgaf4-b57c68e9c214edb48eabd6bf21f367f4 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-2  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol7ee99-8f6fcfe4accf25eef89aba53ce2dea66\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-mol7ee99-8f6fcfe4accf25eef89aba53ce2dea66{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-mol7ee99-8f6fcfe4accf25eef89aba53ce2dea66 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-mol7ee99-8f6fcfe4accf25eef89aba53ce2dea66 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-mol7ee99-8f6fcfe4accf25eef89aba53ce2dea66 av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-3  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >EmpCo <span class='special_amp'>&amp;<\/span> Green Claims<\/h1><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>EU directive on sustainability advertising<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-flex-placeholder'><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-vfty4ow-a768a0739d8db841d29752c8469a6cab\">\n.flex_column.av-vfty4ow-a768a0739d8db841d29752c8469a6cab{\nwidth:58.8%;\nmargin-left:0;\n}\n#top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-vfty4ow-a768a0739d8db841d29752c8469a6cab .av-flex-placeholder{\nwidth:3%;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-vfty4ow-a768a0739d8db841d29752c8469a6cab av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol7exr4-5ac4f071e3c7c5319f20896db045b532\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-mol7exr4-5ac4f071e3c7c5319f20896db045b532{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-mol7exr4-5ac4f071e3c7c5319f20896db045b532 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-mol7exr4-5ac4f071e3c7c5319f20896db045b532 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-mol7exr4-5ac4f071e3c7c5319f20896db045b532 av-special-heading-h2 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-5  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024\/825 &#8211; what is it about?<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol7h50w-279207ad0190f66611be2e7ef994aacc\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mol7h50w-279207ad0190f66611be2e7ef994aacc .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mol7h50w-279207ad0190f66611be2e7ef994aacc'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>With the Empowering Consumers Directive (Directive (EU) 2024\/825, hereinafter: EmpCo Directive), the European Union aims to better protect consumers against misleading environmental and sustainability claims. The Directive tightens the requirements for so-called green claims and, in particular, amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, which is implemented in Germany by the Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG).<\/p>\n<p>Below you will find an overview of the new legal requirements for environmental advertising, deadlines, and the resulting compliance needs for companies. These notes do not, of course, replace legal advice and do not claim to be exhaustive. We will be happy to assist you personally with any questions you may have in this context!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av-layout-grid-1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-51un5b4-fba41169e575776a9a620b53571fe355 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab\">\n.flex_cell.av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab{\nvertical-align:top;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 990px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab{\npadding:70px 50px 50px 120px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab{\npadding:50px 30px 50px 30px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab{\npadding:40px 20px 40px 20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab{\npadding:30px 20px 30px 20px !important;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-4duebkw-9b3d92c405600c6a70110e121f9127ab av-gridrow-cell av_one_fourth no_margin  avia-builder-el-8  el_before_av_cell_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-first  content-align-top'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-u8tdo8w-acb2881aafb4231a8e44ee5dfe5703b9\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-u8tdo8w-acb2881aafb4231a8e44ee5dfe5703b9{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-u8tdo8w-acb2881aafb4231a8e44ee5dfe5703b9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-u8tdo8w-acb2881aafb4231a8e44ee5dfe5703b9 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-u8tdo8w-acb2881aafb4231a8e44ee5dfe5703b9 av-special-heading-h3 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-9  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Content<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1oljdds-04fe35ea3002c0af3c395b7cb6f27464\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1oljdds-04fe35ea3002c0af3c395b7cb6f27464{\nheight:35px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1oljdds-04fe35ea3002c0af3c395b7cb6f27464 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol89kjv-04bb296abd577c5c041da76039930eb6\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mol89kjv-04bb296abd577c5c041da76039930eb6 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mol89kjv-04bb296abd577c5c041da76039930eb6'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/#vorgaben\">Overview of the new legal requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/#umsetzung\">Status of implementation in Germany and deadlines for companies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/#faq\">FAQs on the new requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/#unternehmen\">Overview of compliance needs for companies \u2013 and how we can support you<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empco-directive\/#links\">Current developments and useful links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol7p95c-b96d65fee87f05bee9bfb71d6396e12c\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-mol7p95c-b96d65fee87f05bee9bfb71d6396e12c{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-mol7p95c-b96d65fee87f05bee9bfb71d6396e12c .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-mol7p95c-b96d65fee87f05bee9bfb71d6396e12c .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-mol7p95c-b96d65fee87f05bee9bfb71d6396e12c av-special-heading-h3 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_hr'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Your contacts<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-uwlpvk-4328226429554cbe44dc4d36d89b2352\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-uwlpvk-4328226429554cbe44dc4d36d89b2352{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-uwlpvk-4328226429554cbe44dc4d36d89b2352 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_one_full'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='flex_column av-u59x7k-e995f62bb819c3e881a2d3ff27e91725 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_full  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol8f0mn-06dc56279963fca8b1303e543a78984f\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-mol8f0mn-06dc56279963fca8b1303e543a78984f {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-mol8f0mn-06dc56279963fca8b1303e543a78984f img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-mol8f0mn-06dc56279963fca8b1303e543a78984f .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-mol8f0mn-06dc56279963fca8b1303e543a78984f av-styling-circle av-img-linked avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-15  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  av-img-box-shadow av-box-shadow-not-animated'   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/team\/sebastian-engels\/\" class='avia_image'  aria-label='Attorney at Law. Dr. Sebastian Engels, BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT Berlin'><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-46338 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-46338 avia_image shadow-not-animated' src=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sebastian-Engels-150.jpg\" alt='Dr. Sebastian Engels, attorney at law at BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT, advising on the EMPCO Directive and green claims, Berlin office' title='Attorney at Law. Dr. Sebastian Engels, BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT Berlin'  height=\"150\" width=\"150\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sebastian-Engels-150.jpg 150w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sebastian-Engels-150-80x80.jpg 80w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sebastian-Engels-150-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol9o6w8-8e950b7db9670e810b16de29f5e24289\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-mol9o6w8-8e950b7db9670e810b16de29f5e24289{\nheight:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-mol9o6w8-8e950b7db9670e810b16de29f5e24289 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-16  el_after_av_image  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mol8xriq-e983e80495ecffe54b29c05dcd82f592'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Dr. Sebastian Engels<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Attorney at Law<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-1io9whs-ab6793730c8567bb3d809458e81da311 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-18  el_after_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div  column-top-margin'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-n9avr4-de47d5754ba7dc794a174aa1344d1a7d\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-n9avr4-de47d5754ba7dc794a174aa1344d1a7d {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-n9avr4-de47d5754ba7dc794a174aa1344d1a7d img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-n9avr4-de47d5754ba7dc794a174aa1344d1a7d .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-n9avr4-de47d5754ba7dc794a174aa1344d1a7d av-styling-circle av-img-linked avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-19  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  av-img-box-shadow av-box-shadow-not-animated'   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/team\/julian-wernicke\/\" class='avia_image'  aria-label='Attorney at Law. Dr. Julian Wernicke, BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT Berlin'><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-46346 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-46346 avia_image shadow-not-animated' src=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Julian-Wernicke-150.jpg\" alt='Dr. Julian Wernicke, attorney at law at BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT in Berlin, advising on green claims and the EMPCO Directive' title='Attorney at Law. Dr. Julian Wernicke, BOEHMERT &amp; BOEHMERT Berlin'  height=\"150\" width=\"150\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Julian-Wernicke-150.jpg 150w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Julian-Wernicke-150-80x80.jpg 80w,  https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Julian-Wernicke-150-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1rutrk0-038e913ece5f4fddde6b3f51fb3cdd44\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1rutrk0-038e913ece5f4fddde6b3f51fb3cdd44{\nheight:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1rutrk0-038e913ece5f4fddde6b3f51fb3cdd44 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_image  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mol8xeh4-7d37f0bc754a95ecd55d5e9aef5f08a9'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Dr. Julian Wernicke<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">LL.M. (Cape Town), Attorney at Law<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df\">\n.flex_cell.av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df{\nvertical-align:top;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 990px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df{\npadding:70px 120px 50px 50px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df{\npadding:60px 30px 60px 30px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df{\npadding:40px 20px 40px 20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df{\npadding:30px 15px 30px 15px !important;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-3y8u9sw-d94872fb5c2a674b17fb53b0a6b708df av-gridrow-cell av_three_fourth no_margin  avia-builder-el-22  el_after_av_cell_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-last  content-align-top'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p><div  class='flex_column av-4lns80-dd49694ea117fc1b23bef96f3aeb1a36 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-23  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-282cpk0-fd0af74d3483745d4b44ff93a47ddee2\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-282cpk0-fd0af74d3483745d4b44ff93a47ddee2{\npadding-bottom:0;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-282cpk0-fd0af74d3483745d4b44ff93a47ddee2 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-282cpk0-fd0af74d3483745d4b44ff93a47ddee2 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"vorgaben\"  class='av-special-heading av-282cpk0-fd0af74d3483745d4b44ff93a47ddee2 av-special-heading-h2 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-24  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p><span style=\"font-size: 0.8em;\">The reform, in a nutshell<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024\/825 &#8211; overview of the new legal requirements<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mol9wkm4-0f92f4f16ec0c04eb9aae59be3f43743\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-mol9wkm4-0f92f4f16ec0c04eb9aae59be3f43743{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-mol9wkm4-0f92f4f16ec0c04eb9aae59be3f43743 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-mol9wkm4-0f92f4f16ec0c04eb9aae59be3f43743 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-mol9wkm4-0f92f4f16ec0c04eb9aae59be3f43743 av-special-heading-h3 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-25  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >New rules for sustainability communication, labels, climate claims, as well as durability and reparability<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mol9xf19-b35c5c79d563544afc9e3362124c4ac7'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive significantly tightens the requirements for consumer communication regarding environment, climate, sustainability, durability, and reparability.<br \/>\nAt the core of the reform is a combination of<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>new definitions,<\/li>\n<li>expanded concepts of misleading practices and<\/li>\n<li>additional per se prohibitions (\u201cblack list\u201d), where a case-by-case assessment is no longer required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For companies, this means: statements must be more precise, verifiable, and carefully limited in their scope; at the same time, certain advertising practices will generally be prohibited in the future.<\/p>\n<h4>Here is an overview of the new rules:<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-moldag2b-6642b22a8e1eaad9b7b14b42bd393c93\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-moldag2b-6642b22a8e1eaad9b7b14b42bd393c93-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-moldag2b-6642b22a8e1eaad9b7b14b42bd393c93{\nwidth:48%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-moldag2b-6642b22a8e1eaad9b7b14b42bd393c93 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-27  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#fffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#fffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-5smuni8-aa00eb4eb5d7de5c2efe8f326a5890f9 av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-28  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-5dc0em8-da662b4c0df92c39d9981e738dad4c84'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-1' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"1. Environmental claims: What will be considered an environmental claim in the future\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 1. Environmental claims: What will be considered an environmental claim in the future\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 1. Environmental claims: What will be considered an environmental claim in the future\">1. Environmental claims: What will be considered an environmental claim in the future<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-1' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>New and central is the broad definition of an environmental claim. It covers not only classic text claims, but also representations through images, graphic elements, symbols, as well as designations (e.g., product or brand names), insofar as they assert or suggest a positive, neutral, or over time improved environmental impact. The assessment is based on the overall presentation of the communication from the perspective of the targeted consumers.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of environmental claims within the meaning of the new rules include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cenvironmentally friendly,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d \u201cclimate-friendly,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-friendly,\u201d \u201cenergy-efficient,\u201d \u201cbiodegradable,\u201d \u201cbio-based\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201csustainably produced,\u201d \u201cresponsible,\u201d \u201cconscious\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cmade with recycled material,\u201d \u201cclimate-neutral shipping,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-neutral delivery,\u201d \u201cclimate-compensated delivery\u201d<\/li>\n<li>nature-related design elements in combination with text (e.g., leaf\/water symbolism plus \u201csustainable\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Environmental claims will not be generally prohibited in the future. Only generic environmental claims will be prohibited.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-4s4uzeo-71f5beb194331bb6191a11feb96aecf0'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-2' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"2. Generic environmental claims: Prohibited in the absence of recognized excellent environmental performance\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 2. Generic environmental claims: Prohibited in the absence of recognized excellent environmental performance\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 2. Generic environmental claims: Prohibited in the absence of recognized excellent environmental performance\">2. Generic environmental claims: Prohibited in the absence of recognized excellent environmental performance<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-2' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>One of the most important innovations of the EmpCo Directive is the prohibition of generic environmental claims if no recognized excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated that is relevant to the claim. An environmental claim is considered general in particular if it remains vague and its specification is not clearly and prominently provided on the same medium.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of general environmental claims:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cenvironmentally friendly,\u201d \u201cenvironmentally safe,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d \u201cecological,\u201d \u201cenvironmentally compatible,\u201d \u201cclimate-friendly,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-friendly,\u201d \u201cenergy-efficient,\u201d \u201cbiodegradable,\u201d \u201cbio-based.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How a generic environmental claim can be turned into a specific claim:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Generic: \u201cclimate-friendly packaging.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Specific: \u201c100% of the energy used to produce this packaging comes from renewable sources.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is crucial that the specification appears on the same medium on which the claim is presented (e.g., packaging, online product page, advertising spot) and is clearly recognizable there. Links or QR codes to additional information will no longer be sufficient.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-4g3jpc0-8c63f6c140e8406873ea0707b1b96432'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-3' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"3. Misleading scope of a claim: Prohibition of advertising the \u201cwhole\u201d when only partially true\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 3. Misleading scope of a claim: Prohibition of advertising the \u201cwhole\u201d when only partially true\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 3. Misleading scope of a claim: Prohibition of advertising the \u201cwhole\u201d when only partially true\">3. Misleading scope of a claim: Prohibition of advertising the \u201cwhole\u201d when only partially true<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-3' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>In the future, it will be considered inherently unfair to make an environmental claim about an entire product or the entire business activity if it actually relates only to a specific aspect or applies only to a non-representative part of the activity.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of impermissible overstatements of scope:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cmade with recycled material,\u201d if only the packaging consists of recycled material;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cwe use only renewable energy,\u201d if relevant locations continue to operate on fossil fuels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By contrast, a precise, limited statement that transparently reflects the actual scope is permissible, for example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cpackaging consists of 90% recycled PET\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cour Berlin site sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-3wkj280-3abc8c84e2a2cf4c1e2fbc8e9a6a58b8'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-4' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"4. Climate neutrality and offsetting: Prohibition of offset-based neutrality claims\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 4. Climate neutrality and offsetting: Prohibition of offset-based neutrality claims\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 4. Climate neutrality and offsetting: Prohibition of offset-based neutrality claims\">4. Climate neutrality and offsetting: Prohibition of offset-based neutrality claims<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-4' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Another key focus of the EmpCo Directive is the prohibition of claims stating that a product is neutral, reduced, or positive with regard to greenhouse gas emissions if such claim is based on the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions. Such claims will in the future be considered generally impermissible because they typically create the impression that the product itself causes no or lower emissions, whereas in reality only offsetting measures outside the value chain are financed.<\/p>\n<p>Typical impermissible formulations (if based on offsetting):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cclimate-neutral,\u201d \u201ccertified CO\u2082-neutral,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-positive,\u201d \u201cwith climate offset,\u201d \u201cclimate-friendly,\u201d \u201cwith a reduced carbon footprint\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cclimate-neutral shipping,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-neutral delivery,\u201d \u201cclimate-compensated delivery.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It remains permissible to provide information about investments in environmental initiatives, provided this does not turn into a neutrality or positivity claim about the product and is not misleading. In practice, this means that the communication must clearly distinguish between actual emission reductions within the lifecycle and external contributions or projects.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-3dnd10g-a5112f12ae73b60b1154944843b01987'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-5' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"5. Forward-looking environmental targets: Requirements for \u201cnet zero by \u2026\u201d claims\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 5. Forward-looking environmental targets: Requirements for \u201cnet zero by \u2026\u201d claims\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 5. Forward-looking environmental targets: Requirements for \u201cnet zero by \u2026\u201d claims\">5. Forward-looking environmental targets: Requirements for \u201cnet zero by \u2026\u201d claims<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-5' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive further tightens the requirements for forward-looking environmental or climate-related commitments, such as \u201cwe will be climate-neutral by 2030\u201d or \u201ctransition to net zero by \u2026\u201d. Such claims will in the future be challengeable if they are not supported by clear, objective, publicly available, and verifiable commitments and targets, embedded in a detailed and realistic implementation plan. In particular, the following are required:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>specific targets and interim targets;<\/li>\n<li>a realistic description of measures;<\/li>\n<li>allocation of resources and funding;<\/li>\n<li>regular independent verification of progress by external experts;<\/li>\n<li>availability of verification results to consumers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As a result, purely PR-driven commitments without a robust underlying program will be excluded from commercial communication directed at consumers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-a2yl2zk-a77dbeb4dfaeb586924a059bcdaa0eaa\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-a2yl2zk-a77dbeb4dfaeb586924a059bcdaa0eaa-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-a2yl2zk-a77dbeb4dfaeb586924a059bcdaa0eaa{\nwidth:48%;\nmargin-left:4%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-a2yl2zk-a77dbeb4dfaeb586924a059bcdaa0eaa av_one_half  avia-builder-el-29  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#fffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#fffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-molaln5b-d36d672fe67b0b7efb4d1cd04dcb947a av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-30  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molajx1v-d27193a2a3cfbfa92c6066ba7fabfb85'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-6' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-6' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-6' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"6. Sustainability labels: Prohibition of unsubstantiated labels\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 6. Sustainability labels: Prohibition of unsubstantiated labels\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 6. Sustainability labels: Prohibition of unsubstantiated labels\">6. Sustainability labels: Prohibition of unsubstantiated labels<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-6' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-6' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The Directive also addresses in particular the large number of trust marks and quality labels currently used on the market. In the future, it will generally be impermissible to use sustainability labels that are not based on a certification scheme or are not established by public authorities. A certification scheme must meet minimum requirements as to transparency and credibility, in particular objective monitoring of compliance by an independent third party.<\/p>\n<p>Practical implications:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Own, company-internal \u201cgreen badges\u201d or self-declared label icons carry a high risk and may be inherently impermissible if they are understood as sustainability labels.<\/li>\n<li>Designs that resemble a label may also fall within this scope, even if no formal \u201clabel\u201d was intended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molajx1v-6-1e83f8ddadf51d611daae13d7c3d503c'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-7' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-7' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-7' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"7. Comparative sustainability advertising: Transparency requirements regarding the comparison method\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 7. Comparative sustainability advertising: Transparency requirements regarding the comparison method\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 7. Comparative sustainability advertising: Transparency requirements regarding the comparison method\">7. Comparative sustainability advertising: Transparency requirements regarding the comparison method<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-7' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-7' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Where products or services are compared on the basis of environmental, social, or circularity characteristics (e.g., \u201c30% more sustainable than competitors,\u201d \u201cbetter carbon footprint,\u201d \u201cmore repairable than X\u201d), the key information underlying the comparison must be disclosed. This includes in particular:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the comparison method used and the underlying assumptions;<\/li>\n<li>the specific products compared;<\/li>\n<li>the suppliers\/sources of the compared products;<\/li>\n<li>measures taken to keep the information up to date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Without such transparency, the risk increases that the comparison will be considered misleading.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molajx1v-5-ed09e9546168db4f26ba6f52eb31a93e'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-8' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-8' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-8' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"8. Irrelevant benefits: Prohibition of \u201cpseudo-eco\u201d arguments\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 8. Irrelevant benefits: Prohibition of \u201cpseudo-eco\u201d arguments\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 8. Irrelevant benefits: Prohibition of \u201cpseudo-eco\u201d arguments\">8. Irrelevant benefits: Prohibition of \u201cpseudo-eco\u201d arguments<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-8' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-8' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive also covers the promotion of purported advantages that are irrelevant and do not result from an actual product feature or business activity, where this may mislead consumers about the sustainability or societal benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molajx1v-4-3073cbf77abcce8d41b90adcd0f1b920'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-9' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-9' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-9' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"9. Durability, reparability, and premature obsolescence: New information obligations and fairness standards\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 9. Durability, reparability, and premature obsolescence: New information obligations and fairness standards\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 9. Durability, reparability, and premature obsolescence: New information obligations and fairness standards\">9. Durability, reparability, and premature obsolescence: New information obligations and fairness standards<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-9' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-9' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>In addition to regulating environmental claims and sustainability labels, the EmpCo Directive strengthens consumer information and targets practices that undermine sustainable purchasing decisions. Of particular practical importance are the new rules on durability and reparability, which operate both through information obligations and through per se prohibitions.<\/p>\n<p>New information and presentation requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Consumers are to be informed more clearly about statutory warranty rights (harmonized notice).<\/li>\n<li>Where a commercial durability guarantee longer than the statutory warranty is offered, clearer, standardized communication is required (harmonized labeling).<\/li>\n<li>Where an EU-level reparability score is introduced for certain product groups, it is to be made available in the sales context.<\/li>\n<li>Where the manufacturer provides information on the availability of spare parts and repair instructions, such information is also to be made accessible to consumers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>New prohibitions and risks of misleading practices in the area of durability and repair include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>False or unsubstantiated claims regarding durability (e.g., lifespan, resistance to wear) will in the future be particularly risky and may be sanctioned as inherently unfair or misleading.<\/li>\n<li>False or misleading claims regarding reparability (e.g., \u201ceasy to repair,\u201d although repair is in fact impossible or economically unreasonable) will be subject to stricter scrutiny.<\/li>\n<li>Practices that push for premature replacement may be considered unfair, in particular where consumers are induced to replace products although this is not technically necessary (e.g., in the case of consumables or updates).).<\/li>\n<li>Information on product characteristics that limit durability (e.g., design limitations, software-based restrictions) must not be concealed if they are material to the purchasing decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-10u3reo-b0b317e2a53f860743147e9d7679227a\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-10u3reo-b0b317e2a53f860743147e9d7679227a{\nheight:80px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-10u3reo-b0b317e2a53f860743147e9d7679227a hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-31  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-b6qcajk-2c72837b6a418c7f1128438c027e5e31\">\n.avia-section.av-b6qcajk-2c72837b6a418c7f1128438c027e5e31{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\nbackground:linear-gradient( to top right, #00748f, #00435e, #00748f );\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_2'  class='avia-section av-b6qcajk-2c72837b6a418c7f1128438c027e5e31 main_color avia-section-large avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-32  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-46834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"umsetzung\"  class='av-special-heading av-ant8ehs-864896960e8567ba61d83df4cd6d0198 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-33  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p><span style=\"font-size: 0.8em;\">EmpCo Directive (EU 2024\/825)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Status of implementation in Germany <span class='special_amp'>&amp;<\/span> deadlines for companiesn<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-3nqnqcg-06593a12adf1409e1c5fd6d83f9932f9 sc-av_one_half av-equal-height-column-flextable'><div  class='flex_column av-3nqnqcg-06593a12adf1409e1c5fd6d83f9932f9 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-34  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-middle'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-molarkql-b80f7abeebfa384f26878e75a89a7e8d\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-molarkql-b80f7abeebfa384f26878e75a89a7e8d .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-molarkql-b80f7abeebfa384f26878e75a89a7e8d'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>German legislative process and entry into force<\/h3>\n<p>Germany has already transposed the requirements of the EmpCo Directive into national law. In December 2025, the German Bundestag adopted the necessary legislative amendments, in particular through adjustments to the Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG) as well as supplementary provisions in consumer protection law. This means that the formal transposition of the Directive has been completed within the implementation deadline set by the EU (March 2026).<\/p>\n<p>However, the new rules do not apply immediately. For companies, the provisions will only become binding as of September 27, 2026. Until that date, the existing law remains applicable. From the cut-off date onward, courts, authorities, and competition associations will assess environmental and sustainability claims against the new legal standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div class='av-flex-placeholder'><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-30dko1s-6e6d67c4c34076d74d29062c28126428 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-36  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-middle'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f\">\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-date{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-title{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-content{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-contentbox{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-icon.milestone-icon-hasborder{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-indicator{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f .av-milestone-article-footer{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f i.milestone-char.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nfill:#ffffff;\nstroke:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f\">\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbconv-aaedb04c8034c893b0e57ea76c0e6a35 .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbconv-aaedb04c8034c893b0e57ea76c0e6a35 .av-milestone-indicator{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbconv-aaedb04c8034c893b0e57ea76c0e6a35 .av-milestone-article-footer{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbe5pq-066f45467937f7ed6d978b2d2c1c27ee .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbe5pq-066f45467937f7ed6d978b2d2c1c27ee .av-milestone-indicator{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbe5pq-066f45467937f7ed6d978b2d2c1c27ee .av-milestone-article-footer{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbf03r-2e03b1318df7fda7e6da289a9abe64b8 .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbf03r-2e03b1318df7fda7e6da289a9abe64b8 .av-milestone-indicator{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-molbf03r-2e03b1318df7fda7e6da289a9abe64b8 .av-milestone-article-footer{\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"avia-timeline-1\"  class='avia-timeline-container av-molbj2t7-bf8d82c9933e22c197a9bb07c71bd66f av-slideshow-ui  avia-builder-el-37  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' ><ul class='avia-timeline avia-timeline-vertical av-milestone-placement-left avia-timeline-boxshadow avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-timeline-animate'>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-molbconv-aaedb04c8034c893b0e57ea76c0e6a35 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-march-2024' ><strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 0.8em; color: #ffffff;\">March 2024<\/h3>\n<p><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 32\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-1' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-1' role=\"graphics-symbol\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-1'>Down<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-1'>Down<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M21.12 15.488l-10.56 12.16-10.56-12.16h6.144v-11.2h8.832v11.2h6.144z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Entry into force at the EU level\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Entry into force at the EU level<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-molbe5pq-066f45467937f7ed6d978b2d2c1c27ee av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-december-2025' ><strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 0.8em; color: #ffffff;\">December 2025<\/h3>\n<p><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 32\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-2' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-2' role=\"graphics-symbol\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-2'>Down<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-2'>Down<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M21.12 15.488l-10.56 12.16-10.56-12.16h6.144v-11.2h8.832v11.2h6.144z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Enforcement in German law\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Enforcement in German law<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-molbf03r-2e03b1318df7fda7e6da289a9abe64b8 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-september-27-2026' ><strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 0.8em; color: #ffffff;\">September 27, 2026<\/h3>\n<p><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 32\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-3' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-3' role=\"graphics-symbol\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-3'>Down<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-3'>Down<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M21.12 15.488l-10.56 12.16-10.56-12.16h6.144v-11.2h8.832v11.2h6.144z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Mandatory application by companies\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Mandatory application by companies<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-rdlyjk-987e5fc1e55abfee7247570beec7c0bb\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-rdlyjk-987e5fc1e55abfee7247570beec7c0bb{\nheight:35px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-rdlyjk-987e5fc1e55abfee7247570beec7c0bb hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-38  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av-layout-grid-2'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-2szqmg0-18eedc27ccf5e2574f1cb569ecb15803 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-39  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_layout_row  grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58\">\n.flex_cell.av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58{\nvertical-align:top;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 990px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58{\npadding:70px 120px 50px 120px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58{\npadding:60px 30px 60px 30px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58{\npadding:40px 20px 40px 20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58{\npadding:30px 15px 30px 15px !important;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-moldpnb4-97f536a568baf0bcdf332d027d745e58 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-40  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  content-align-top'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1zh6b40-9830a72611ab27b7ea93bff00e09dedf\">\nbody .av-special-heading.av-1zh6b40-9830a72611ab27b7ea93bff00e09dedf .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-1zh6b40-9830a72611ab27b7ea93bff00e09dedf .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"faq\"  class='av-special-heading av-1zh6b40-9830a72611ab27b7ea93bff00e09dedf av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-41  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first'><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p><span style=\"font-size: 0.8em;\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >FAQs about the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024\/825) <\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-tr1nuo-e755e063f51ba88af0bb8de44a8fbee8\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-tr1nuo-e755e063f51ba88af0bb8de44a8fbee8{\nheight:35px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-tr1nuo-e755e063f51ba88af0bb8de44a8fbee8 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-42  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-1122yww-cbe191ac9d48d4b04af4ce50a22f72fa'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>On November 27, 2025, the European Commission published <a href=\"https:\/\/commission.europa.eu\/document\/download\/3c257883-bb2a-4dd9-a6dc-501d587bb34f_en?filename=faq-empowerting-consumers-gtd.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a detailed FAQ document on the EmpCo Directive<\/a> to facilitate the practical application of the new rules on environmental and social disclosures as well as the new disclosure requirements.<\/p>\n<p>We have reviewed the questions and answers provided by the European Commission in the FAQ document and have summarized and commented on the key points for you:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-6c99grk-95d838b65d2dac9b17971d1f57550289\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-6c99grk-95d838b65d2dac9b17971d1f57550289-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-6c99grk-95d838b65d2dac9b17971d1f57550289{\nwidth:30.666666666667%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-6c99grk-95d838b65d2dac9b17971d1f57550289 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-44  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_third  first flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-5t6m8sg-2ef71ae96fbbb608ae4de0874792b7a2 av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-45  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-aa6241b91a0f44198367095217fb018b'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-10' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-10' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-10' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"1. Scope of application \u2013 Which communication falls under the EmpCo Directive (UCPD\/CRD) and which does not?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 1. Scope of application \u2013 Which communication falls under the EmpCo Directive (UCPD\/CRD) and which does not?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 1. Scope of application \u2013 Which communication falls under the EmpCo Directive (UCPD\/CRD) and which does not?\">1. Scope of application \u2013 Which communication falls under the EmpCo Directive (UCPD\/CRD) and which does not?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-10' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-10' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive complements the existing Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) as well as parts of the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD). It applies exclusively to B2C communication, i.e., advertising and commercial practices directed at end consumers. Traditional CSR or sustainability reports (e.g., CSRD reports) are generally addressed to investors and are typically not covered by the UCPD.<\/p>\n<p>Distinctions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>B2C marketing: Advertisements, product packaging, online product information, and other consumer-facing advertising fall under UCPD\/EmpCo. The new rules on environmental and social claims, prohibitions of generic claims, etc., apply here.<\/li>\n<li>B2B communication: This largely remains outside the scope of the UCPD.<\/li>\n<li>Mandatory reports (statutorily required sustainability or CSR reports) are primarily intended for investors and are often mandatory. They are generally not subject to the EmpCo rules.<\/li>\n<li>Limitation: If a company voluntarily uses content from such reports in consumer-facing advertising (e.g., \u201cas stated in our sustainability report\u201d), this is considered part of consumer communication. Such statements must then comply with the EmpCo requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It should be noted, however, that B2B communication may often (indirectly) also target consumers and may therefore fall within the scope of the EmpCo Directive. In addition, Member States may extend the rules to the B2B sector outside the harmonized legal framework. In Germany, case law has already prohibited misleading sustainability advertising between businesses under the concept of misleading commercial practices.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-16-3d1189d723728535e805482fa9ca7e76'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-11' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-11' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-11' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"2. Definition of \u201cenvironmental claim\u201d \u2013 What does \u201cimply\u201d mean?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 2. Definition of \u201cenvironmental claim\u201d \u2013 What does \u201cimply\u201d mean?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 2. Definition of \u201cenvironmental claim\u201d \u2013 What does \u201cimply\u201d mean?\">2. Definition of \u201cenvironmental claim\u201d \u2013 What does \u201cimply\u201d mean?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-11' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-11' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Under the EmpCo Directive, an environmental claim is understood as any statement or representation that explicitly or implicitly indicates that a product, a product category, a brand, or a trader has a positive or no impact on the environment, is less harmful to the environment than other products, product categories, brands or traders, or that its environmental impact has improved over time.<\/p>\n<p>The decisive factor is the overall impression from the perspective of the average consumer. This includes not only written statements, but also implicit elements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>images, symbols, color schemes (green colors, leaves, water droplets, etc.);<\/li>\n<li>graphics or pictograms;<\/li>\n<li>brand or product names with an environmental reference (see next question).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Example: The green color of a logo combined with nature imagery may imply that a product is \u201csustainable\u201d or \u201cclimate-neutral.\u201d Even without explicit text, this is perceived by the average consumer as an environmental claim. A purely decorative representation without environmental context is not automatically an impermissible generic environmental claim. The decisive factor is the combination of image and message.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-15-fa78513bd55d4f239373169d37fb04a8'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-12' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-12' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-12' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"3. Brand and product names \u2013 Are \u201ceco,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d etc. off-limits?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 3. Brand and product names \u2013 Are \u201ceco,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d etc. off-limits?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 3. Brand and product names \u2013 Are \u201ceco,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d etc. off-limits?\">3. Brand and product names \u2013 Are \u201ceco,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d etc. off-limits?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-12' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-12' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Brand and product names are not exempt from the rules of the EmpCo Directive. In particular, trademark registration does not protect against claims under unfair competition law for impermissible environmental advertising. If, for example, a product name or brand contains terms such as \u201cgreen,\u201d \u201ceco,\u201d \u201cclimate-neutral,\u201d etc., thereby suggesting environmental characteristics to consumers, this is considered an environmental claim. The EmpCo rules then apply: the name must either be clearly and prominently specified within the advertising itself, be part of a sustainability label, or be based on recognized excellent environmental performance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The EmpCo Directive may preclude trademark application or registration. The Commission notes that a misleading trademark application may be refused registration. Registered trademarks may also be removed from the register if they are misleading.<\/li>\n<li>According to the Commission, individual trademarks will generally not be regarded as sustainability labels. However, certification marks are treated differently. These may be perceived as trust marks or quality labels. Their use is then only permissible if they are established by public authorities or are based on a certification scheme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-15-10-b1bdb8162f418fa0695a3607a01fa3aa'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-13' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-13' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-13' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"4. Generic environmental claims \u2013 When are statements prohibited?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 4. Generic environmental claims \u2013 When are statements prohibited?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 4. Generic environmental claims \u2013 When are statements prohibited?\">4. Generic environmental claims \u2013 When are statements prohibited?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-13' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-13' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>A generic environmental claim exists where an environmental term appears in advertising material without being explained clearly and specifically on the same medium. Such broad claims are generally prohibited, unless recognized excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Typical generic terms such as \u201cenvironmentally friendly,\u201d \u201cclimate-friendly,\u201d \u201cecological,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-neutral,\u201d \u201cbiodegradable,\u201d or similar, without further explanation, will become impermissible because they are too general in isolation.<\/li>\n<li>Specified claims: If such environmental claims are explained in concrete terms, they are no longer considered generic. Example:\n<ul>\n<li>General: \u201cclimate-friendly packaging.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Specified: \u201cthis packaging was produced using 100% renewable electricity.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is crucial that the specification (percentages, metrics) is clearly and prominently provided on the same medium (e.g., packaging, website, advertising spot). A reference via QR code to another location will usually not be sufficient.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exception: If the claim forms part of a sustainability label, it is by definition not considered general. However, the specific requirements applicable to sustainability labels must be observed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-15-9-eac321ee6616886d8177ff5dd12069e7'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-14' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-14' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-14' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"5. Packaging design \u2013 Can visual elements such as leaves or water droplets qualify as a generic environmental claim or a sustainability label?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 5. Packaging design \u2013 Can visual elements such as leaves or water droplets qualify as a generic environmental claim or a sustainability label?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 5. Packaging design \u2013 Can visual elements such as leaves or water droplets qualify as a generic environmental claim or a sustainability label?\">5. Packaging design \u2013 Can visual elements such as leaves or water droplets qualify as a generic environmental claim or a sustainability label?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-14' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-14' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Visual elements may imply environmental benefits, especially when they appear alongside text or a logo. The EmpCo Directive makes it clear that the overall impression of the advertising is decisive:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Example: A green leaf next to the wording \u201cnatural\u201d may be perceived by consumers as a voluntary sustainability label.<\/li>\n<li>Practical tip: Review the overall design. Avoid combinations of images and text that suggest the product is \u201cparticularly environmentally friendly\u201d if this cannot be substantiated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-c3s5ds-15-8-16b6e79dd2f27980fc554b93f3cfe74b'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-15' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-15' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-15' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"6. Climate neutrality claims \u2013 What is permitted, what is prohibited?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 6. Climate neutrality claims \u2013 What is permitted, what is prohibited?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 6. Climate neutrality claims \u2013 What is permitted, what is prohibited?\">6. Climate neutrality claims \u2013 What is permitted, what is prohibited?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-15' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-15' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Generic CO\u2082 claims are subject to strict regulation: broad terms such as \u201cclimate-neutral,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-compensated,\u201d \u201ccarbon neutral,\u201d or similar are generally prohibited if they are not based on recognized excellent environmental performance. In other words, a product may not describe itself as \u201cclimate-neutral\u201d without specific substantiation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exception with substantiation: Generic environmental claims are permitted if they are based on recognized excellent environmental performance. For example, the \u201cA+ energy efficiency label\u201d may be used if the requirements of the relevant EU regulation are met.<\/li>\n<li>Further example: If a claim such as \u201c100% CO\u2082-neutral\u201d is used in advertising, the trader must substantiate the relevant environmental performance. If the supporting documentation (e.g., EU Ecolabel) is lacking, the claim is impermissible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The EmpCo Directive explicitly prohibits any product advertising that relies on greenhouse gas offsetting as the basis for claims such as \u201cclimate neutrality\u201d or \u201cCO\u2082 reduction.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prohibited: \u201cThis product is climate-neutral because we have offset CO\u2082\u201d \u2013 such product claims are generally impermissible where they are based on external offsetting. This also applies to formulations such as \u201cclimate-neutral shipping,\u201d \u201cCO\u2082-compensated delivery,\u201d or \u201cwith climate offset.\u201d They create the misleading impression that the product itself causes little or no emissions, although only external offsetting has taken place.<\/li>\n<li>Permitted: It remains permissible to provide transparent information about climate protection projects, provided this is not understood as a substitute for actual emission reductions. For example, a company may state: \u201cWe finance a wind farm project in Kenya,\u201d without claiming \u201cour product is climate-neutral.\u201d The key is to clearly distinguish between actual emissions within the product lifecycle and any voluntary investments in climate protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-5qjh6bk-dc8eba6ec7e40df837650fec77e4f950\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-5qjh6bk-dc8eba6ec7e40df837650fec77e4f950-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-5qjh6bk-dc8eba6ec7e40df837650fec77e4f950{\nwidth:30.666666666667%;\nmargin-left:4%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-5qjh6bk-dc8eba6ec7e40df837650fec77e4f950 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-46  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_one_third  flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-moletkdn-e911705398968970da57930b307252d6 av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-47  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-201b9522c026c19e6a48734febb6ea97'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-16' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-16' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-16' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"7. Recognized \u201cexcellent environmental performance\u201d \u2013 How is it substantiated?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 7. Recognized \u201cexcellent environmental performance\u201d \u2013 How is it substantiated?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 7. Recognized \u201cexcellent environmental performance\u201d \u2013 How is it substantiated?\">7. Recognized \u201cexcellent environmental performance\u201d \u2013 How is it substantiated?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-16' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-16' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div>General environmental claims may only be used if they are based on recognized excellent environmental performance. The EmpCo Directive defines this as follows:<\/div>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div>\n<div><strong>Type of substantiation<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>Legal basis<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><strong>EU environmental label<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div>Regulation (EC<\/div>\n<p>Nr. 66\/2010<\/td>\n<td>\n<div>Products with EU Ecolabel certification<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><strong>Type I ecolabels <\/strong><strong>(ISO 14024)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>Specific regulations ISO 14024 (national\/regional)<\/td>\n<td>\n<div>Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, Austrian Ecolabel, etc. (with official recognition)<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><strong>Top performance under EU rules<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>EU legislation<\/td>\n<td>\n<div>e.g., highest energy efficiency class (EU energy labeling) or other top environmental performance under EU standards<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div>\n<p>Important: The substantiation must be relevant to the claimed benefit. According to the European Commission, the EU Ecolabel is intended to promote products with a reduced environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle. Statements such as \u201cbetter for the environment,\u201d \u201cenvironmentally friendly,\u201d \u201cgreen,\u201d \u201cecological,\u201d or \u201cenvironmentally compatible\u201d may therefore be used on products that bear the EU Ecolabel or national or regional ecolabels pursuant to EN ISO 14024 Type I that are officially recognized in the Member States. If such substantiation is lacking, the claim is considered generic and is therefore impermissible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-7-6c2ecf445fbd2feb2ea3af3924e0a601'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-17' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-17' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-17' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"8. Certification System \u2013 What Criteria Must a Sustainability Label Meet?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 8. Certification System \u2013 What Criteria Must a Sustainability Label Meet?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 8. Certification System \u2013 What Criteria Must a Sustainability Label Meet?\">8. Certification System \u2013 What Criteria Must a Sustainability Label Meet?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-17' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-17' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div>The EmpCo Directive requires that sustainability labels may only be used if they are established by public authorities or are based on a certification scheme. Such a scheme must, among other things, meet the following criteria:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Requirement<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Explanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Independent third-party verification<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>An external certification body (e.g., accredited under ISO\/IEC 17065) conducts audits.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Publicly accessible<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>The scheme\u2019s criteria, standards, and procedures are transparently documented.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Independent monitoring &amp; sanctions system<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>A body independent of the label owner regularly verifies compliance with the requirements, and there is a system of sanctions in place to address violations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Transparency &amp; credibility<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Vergabekriterien klar, Einhaltung durch Dritte kontrolliert, Entscheidungen nachvollziehbar.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Open access<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>All retailers can participate (no internal association labels); the process is fair and non-discriminatory.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Expert consultation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>System requirements were developed in consultation with experts and relevant stakeholders.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div>\n<p>Before applying a label, the trader must verify that these conditions are fulfilled. Existing labels (that do not meet these standards) must be adapted by September 27, 2026, or may no longer be used after that date.<\/p>\n<p>Somewhat surprisingly, the Commission clarifies that the system owner and the trader (who applies the sustainability label) may be the same entity, provided that the certification scheme meets the above requirements. It had often been assumed that a certification scheme presupposes a three-party relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-6-f641ec95fb815e5faa7d0cf66a227520'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-18' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-18' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-18' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"9. Social characteristics \u2013 What is covered and what applies?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 9. Social characteristics \u2013 What is covered and what applies?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 9. Social characteristics \u2013 What is covered and what applies?\">9. Social characteristics \u2013 What is covered and what applies?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-18' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-18' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div>\n<p>In addition to environmental aspects, the EmpCo Directive also protects against misleading social claims. This includes statements relating to social or human rights aspects of a product or a company. Examples of \u201csocial characteristics\u201d include, in particular:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Working conditions: adequate\/fair wages, safe working environments, prohibition of child or forced labor;<\/li>\n<li>Social standards: respect for human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion, occupational health and safety, social dialogue;<\/li>\n<li>Animal welfare: species-appropriate husbandry, avoidance of cruel animal testing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These social claims must likewise not be misleading. They are subject to the same evidentiary and transparency requirements as environmental claims. Traders must be able to substantiate the accuracy of factual statements relating to a commercial practice.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the definition of a sustainability label explicitly includes social characteristics, meaning that a design perceived as a label is only permissible if it is established by public authorities or is based on a certification scheme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-5-da82d7ee8e606b39553818dd6c8914b6'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-19' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-19' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-19' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"10. Irrelevant benefits \u2013 What is prohibited?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 10. Irrelevant benefits \u2013 What is prohibited?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 10. Irrelevant benefits \u2013 What is prohibited?\">10. Irrelevant benefits \u2013 What is prohibited?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-19' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-19' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div>\n<p>The EmpCo Directive supplements the prohibition of misleading practices: advertising must not promise benefits that are irrelevant to the product. Specifically, a claim is misleading if it emphasizes an advantage that does not reflect an actual feature of the product or the business model. The assessment is based on the overall impression. Two conditions must be met cumulatively: the benefit is irrelevant and it is not based on a product characteristic.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Example: \u201cgluten-free\u201d on a bottle of mineral water would be misleading because water is naturally free of gluten. By contrast, advertising the benefit \u201chigh protein\u201d for a particular yogurt brand is relevant, as protein content varies between different yogurts. This is attributable to specific ingredients or formulations that are unique to that brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-4-245d9f8798a3fb00a5daa542cd6db1b8'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-20' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-20' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-20' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"11. Forward-looking environmental commitments (\u201cnet zero,\u201d etc.) \u2013 Requirements and verification\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 11. Forward-looking environmental commitments (\u201cnet zero,\u201d etc.) \u2013 Requirements and verification\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 11. Forward-looking environmental commitments (\u201cnet zero,\u201d etc.) \u2013 Requirements and verification\">11. Forward-looking environmental commitments (\u201cnet zero,\u201d etc.) \u2013 Requirements and verification<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-20' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-20' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Future-oriented environmental and climate targets (e.g., \u201cclimate-neutral by 2030\u201d or \u201cnet zero by 2040\u201d) are permitted only under strict conditions. Such commitments must, from the outset, be supported by a detailed and realistic plan. In particular, the following are required:<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Specific targets and milestones: clear, measurable interim and final targets, e.g., annual emission reductions;<\/li>\n<li>Description of measures: explanation of the steps by which the targets will be achieved (e.g., transition to renewable energy, changes to production processes);<\/li>\n<li>Resource planning: allocation of personnel, budget, and timelines for each sub-target;<\/li>\n<li>Independent verification: an external expert must review the plans and regularly assess progress. The expert must be free from conflicts of interest and possess environmental expertise;<\/li>\n<li>Consumer accessibility: verification reports or results must be accessible to consumers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note: The EmpCo Directive requires that verifications be carried out \u201cregularly.\u201d It does not specify a fixed interval. Best practices generally recommend annual reviews. In the absence of a robust program and supporting verification, such forward-looking commitments may be considered misleading and therefore impermissible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-3-c7874c92885bebc7624cce0885e01ef4'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-21' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-21' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-21' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"12. Comparative advertising \u2013 What must be disclosed?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 12. Comparative advertising \u2013 What must be disclosed?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 12. Comparative advertising \u2013 What must be disclosed?\">12. Comparative advertising \u2013 What must be disclosed?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-21' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-21' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Where companies compare products based on environmental, social, or circularity aspects (e.g., \u201c20% more climate-friendly than competing product X\u201d), they must provide comprehensive information. The trader must disclose all key details of the comparison, including in particular:<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Comparison method: how the measurement was carried out (accounting methodology, indicators);<\/li>\n<li>Assumptions and reference values: underlying parameters, data sources, or laboratory tests;<\/li>\n<li>Products and sources compared: which specific competitors and models were compared, where applicable with links or manufacturer information;<\/li>\n<li>Updating: how and how frequently the data are reviewed or newly collected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The presentation must be sufficiently clear for the average consumer to understand. If such information is missing or unclear, the comparison is considered misleading.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-molesnq3-2-727187ab3376c7ac72dbb5097c8fea7a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-22' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-22' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-22' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"13. Terms such as \u201cbio\u201d \/ \u201corganic\u201d \u2013 Do special rules apply?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 13. Terms such as \u201cbio\u201d \/ \u201corganic\u201d \u2013 Do special rules apply?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 13. Terms such as \u201cbio\u201d \/ \u201corganic\u201d \u2013 Do special rules apply?\">13. Terms such as \u201cbio\u201d \/ \u201corganic\u201d \u2013 Do special rules apply?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-22' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-22' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>For terms that are already governed by specific EU legislation (e.g., organic labeling under Regulation (EU) 2018\/848 for food products), the following applies: the sector-specific provisions take precedence over the general EmpCo rules. Specifically:<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>The EU organic logo and terms such as \u201cbio,\u201d \u201corganic,\u201d and \u201ceco\u201d (for organic products) may continue to be used, as they are authorized under the sector-specific EU organic regulation. Such labeling is therefore not subject to the prohibition of general environmental claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1bd6g9s-7e5ef66d7406e2cc2fa148694817aa94\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-1bd6g9s-7e5ef66d7406e2cc2fa148694817aa94-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-1bd6g9s-7e5ef66d7406e2cc2fa148694817aa94{\nwidth:30.666666666667%;\nmargin-left:4%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1bd6g9s-7e5ef66d7406e2cc2fa148694817aa94 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-48  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-cp7sv0g-08b765d36a6325217c2ab11ae5e633fd av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-49  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-2733afcdea5d32566f3ba2f878e99cc6'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-23' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-23' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-23' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"14. Labels such as \u201cvegan\u201d \/ \u201cvegetarian\u201d \u2013 Sustainability label or not?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 14. Labels such as \u201cvegan\u201d \/ \u201cvegetarian\u201d \u2013 Sustainability label or not?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 14. Labels such as \u201cvegan\u201d \/ \u201cvegetarian\u201d \u2013 Sustainability label or not?\">14. Labels such as \u201cvegan\u201d \/ \u201cvegetarian\u201d \u2013 Sustainability label or not?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-23' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-23' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Whether \u201cvegan\u201d or \u201cvegetarian\u201d is considered a sustainability label or an environmental claim depends on the context. The EmpCo definition is broad: a designation may qualify as a sustainability label if it creates associations with environmental or social benefits in the mind of the consumer.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Practical example: A \u201cvegan\u201d label on a cosmetic product may suggest environmental benefits (\u201ccruelty-free,\u201d \u201creduced CO\u2082 emissions\u201d). If, in the specific context\u2014through a combination of advertising text or icons\u2014the consumer interprets \u201cvegan\u201d as meaning \u201cbetter for the planet,\u201d it falls within the scope of the EmpCo Directive. In such cases, the same requirements apply as for other environmental claims.<\/li>\n<li>If, by contrast, \u201cvegan\u201d is used solely in a dietary context (e.g., vegetarian\/vegan food products) without any environmental messaging, the EmpCo Directive is generally not implicated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ultimately, the decisive factor is the perception of the average consumer: if \u201cvegan\u201d is understood as a socio-environmental label, caution is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-7-4853d2a2c31372ee983a14bfac4085d5'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-24' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-24' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-24' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"15. Statutory requirements \u2013 When are specific claims permitted or prohibited?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 15. Statutory requirements \u2013 When are specific claims permitted or prohibited?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 15. Statutory requirements \u2013 When are specific claims permitted or prohibited?\">15. Statutory requirements \u2013 When are specific claims permitted or prohibited?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-24' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-24' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>It is prohibited to present generic statutory minimum requirements as a special selling point where they apply to all products within a category.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Prohibited: For example, it is impermissible to advertise cleaning products with statements such as \u201cfree from microplastics\u201d where this merely reflects compliance with the requirements of the EU REACH Regulation.<\/li>\n<li>Permitted: Where a regulatory requirement applies only to certain products, reference to it is allowed. For example, drugstore products from non-EU countries are subject to different requirements than EU products. In such cases, a trader may communicate that its EU products meet higher safety standards, in order to avoid competitive distortions. The same applies where national or third-country rules apply only to certain categories of goods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In short: General obligations that apply to all must not be presented as a special advantage. However, where the rules apply only to competitors (e.g., imported goods), such statements are permissible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-6-56b43b0fe971ea25d7aa5d916e8868b5'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-25' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-25' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-25' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"16. Sustainability labels from third countries \u2013 Are they also privileged?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 16. Sustainability labels from third countries \u2013 Are they also privileged?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 16. Sustainability labels from third countries \u2013 Are they also privileged?\">16. Sustainability labels from third countries \u2013 Are they also privileged?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-25' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-25' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive grants privileged treatment to sustainability labels only where they are established by \u201cpublic authorities.\u201d The legislative context suggests that this refers to authorities of EU Member States only.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>In order to be used lawfully, sustainability labels from third countries must therefore be based on a certification scheme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-5-e9856f36c580914005531d8b2b5b5b45'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-26' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-26' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-26' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"17. Existing stock \u2013 What applies to products already on the market?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 17. Existing stock \u2013 What applies to products already on the market?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 17. Existing stock \u2013 What applies to products already on the market?\">17. Existing stock \u2013 What applies to products already on the market?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-26' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-26' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The new EmpCo rules will apply as of September 27, 2026 to all B2C communication, including existing inventory. Traders have until that date to correct non-compliant claims. Possible measures include, for example:<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Corrective labeling: If goods already at the point of sale contain invalid claims, these may be covered or replaced (e.g., by stickers or new price tags).<\/li>\n<li>Point-of-sale information: By providing additional notices or flyers at the shelf containing correct information.<\/li>\n<li>Online updates: Product pages and online shops must be updated before the cut-off date to remove impermissible claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>National authorities (competition and consumer protection authorities) are expected to apply the principle of proportionality. For example, they may proceed in stages and assess whether traders have made efforts to relabel affected products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-4-e84804e0361fdf074e6220da0138ea45'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-27' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-27' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-27' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"18. Reparability score \u2013 Current rules\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 18. Reparability score \u2013 Current rules\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 18. Reparability score \u2013 Current rules\">18. Reparability score \u2013 Current rules<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-27' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-27' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Through amendments to the Consumer Rights Directive, the EmpCo Directive expands the existing requirements regarding reparability and durability of products. The reparability score is a harmonized metric that reflects how easy a product is to repair.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Legal basis: Under the \u201cRight to Repair\u201d Directive (EU) 2024\/1799, traders must disclose the score where an EU requirement exists for the relevant product group (e.g., under energy labeling legislation).<\/li>\n<li>EU requirements: To date, legally mandated reparability scores have been introduced primarily for smartphones and tablets. Since June 20, 2025, new models must carry an energy label including a reparability score. Additional product categories (e.g., washing machines, televisions) are expected to follow.<\/li>\n<li>Obligation for traders: Sellers of such products must provide the reparability score \u201cin a clear and comprehensible manner\u201d prior to contract conclusion. In online shops, this is done via product information; in physical stores, via labels or tags.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-3-9aaebc372f186bf09965485ec7b0f672'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-28' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-28' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-28' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"19. Ongoing product information \u2013 Durability and repair disclosures\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 19. Ongoing product information \u2013 Durability and repair disclosures\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 19. Ongoing product information \u2013 Durability and repair disclosures\">19. Ongoing product information \u2013 Durability and repair disclosures<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-28' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-28' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>In addition, the EmpCo amendments to the Consumer Rights Directive introduce more detailed information obligations regarding durability and repair:<\/p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Warranty rights (harmonized notice): Traders must inform consumers, in a standardized manner and prior to contract conclusion, about statutory warranty rights. This information must be displayed at the point of sale (e.g., on a visible poster in-store or, in the case of online sales, as a general notice on the trader\u2019s website).<\/li>\n<li>Guarantee label (harmonized labeling): If manufacturers or traders offer a durability guarantee of more than two years, this must be indicated by a harmonized label. The label must be clearly visible so that consumers can easily identify products that benefit from a commercial durability guarantee. This may be done, for example, directly on the product packaging, on shelf displays, or next to the product image in online sales.<\/li>\n<li>Repair and update information: Traders are required to clearly pass on available information regarding repair options, availability of spare parts, and software updates. Where, for example, the manufacturer provides information on required spare parts or repair instructions, the trader must make this information accessible to consumers (e.g., on the product page or packaging).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Overall, these rules are intended to enable consumers to assess whether a product is durable and easy to repair, thereby supporting more informed purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-cdmsuww-2-008ad0d179ad4ca9ee8eec645cd68913'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-29' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-29' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-29' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"20. Open questions\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 20. Open questions\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 20. Open questions\">20. Open questions<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-29' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-29' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Although the European Commission\u2019s guidance answers many practically relevant questions, certain issues of application remain unresolved. It should also be noted that these answers are not binding on national authorities and courts, but serve only as guidance. In many cases, it will be up to practice and case law to determine how the various new provisions of the EmpCo Directive are to be interpreted and applied.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1bzv2f4-97fb64c3bf64ccdcc6e52b2147245d50\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1bzv2f4-97fb64c3bf64ccdcc6e52b2147245d50{\nheight:35px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1bzv2f4-97fb64c3bf64ccdcc6e52b2147245d50 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-50  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_codeblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='av-layout-grid-3'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-aq85otc-551e3a13164856ec82dd6535fe2b970f entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-52  el_after_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-last  grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b\">\n.flex_cell.av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b{\nvertical-align:top;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 990px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b{\npadding:70px 50px 50px 120px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b{\npadding:60px 30px 50px 30px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b{\npadding:40px 20px 40px 20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b{\npadding:30px 15px 30px 15px !important;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-molew1dm-c27439a027507b88aa8d78bc0b88f71b av-gridrow-cell av_three_fourth no_margin  avia-builder-el-53  el_before_av_cell_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-first  content-align-top'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-9yl62n4-164f246b09234e8521a07efad9f4bd18\">\nbody .av-special-heading.av-9yl62n4-164f246b09234e8521a07efad9f4bd18 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-9yl62n4-164f246b09234e8521a07efad9f4bd18 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"unternehmen\"  class='av-special-heading av-9yl62n4-164f246b09234e8521a07efad9f4bd18 av-special-heading-h2 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-54  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p><span style=\"font-size: 0.8em;\">EmpCo Directive (EU 2024\/825)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What compliance actions arise for companies under the new requirements of the EmpCo Directive?<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-8s0768w-f2256254a2a31dc713ad4e21895df87c\">\nbody .av-special-heading.av-8s0768w-f2256254a2a31dc713ad4e21895df87c .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-8s0768w-f2256254a2a31dc713ad4e21895df87c .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-8s0768w-f2256254a2a31dc713ad4e21895df87c av-special-heading-h3 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-55  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >EmpCo compliance in practice: Key action areas for companies<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-7wxujj4-891feca5ec489e50c88aad1dd065fdfb'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The new rules of the EmpCo Directive do not merely require selective adjustments to individual advertising claims, but rather a structured, company-wide compliance approach. Sustainability, environmental, and durability-related communication must be legally reviewed, internally aligned, and continuously safeguarded.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>For robust EmpCo compliance, several key areas of action can be identified:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7fan680-08517f3a60ab1174b78065745fc51ef7\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-7fan680-08517f3a60ab1174b78065745fc51ef7-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-7fan680-08517f3a60ab1174b78065745fc51ef7{\nwidth:48%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-7fan680-08517f3a60ab1174b78065745fc51ef7 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-57  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-7bipwtc-f062ca7c9c033dc803a5272d8cdc8a8f av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-58  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-6hzuvog-5b431fd1b9f155d74e333c999f029cc9'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-30' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-30' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-30' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"1. Audit: Systematic review of all claims\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 1. Audit: Systematic review of all claims\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 1. Audit: Systematic review of all claims\">1. Audit: Systematic review of all claims<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-30' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-30' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Companies should systematically identify and legally review all (consumer-facing) claims. Claims may be made in text, images, or implicitly. This includes, in particular, product and brand names, packaging, labels, shipping information, online representations, point-of-sale materials, and social media content.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Each claim should be analyzed as to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>whether it qualifies as an environmental claim or other sustainability claim;<\/li>\n<li>whether it constitutes a generic environmental claim;<\/li>\n<li>whether it is sufficiently specified; and<\/li>\n<li>whether it can be substantiated in legal and factual terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Such an audit typically forms the basis for all further compliance measures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-6d35fc0-ac3cce42ba6940e75c32c7f0c3471192'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-31' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-31' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-31' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"2. Secure and document substantiation\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 2. Secure and document substantiation\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 2. Secure and document substantiation\">2. Secure and document substantiation<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-31' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-31' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The EmpCo Directive effectively requires companies to be able to substantiate their claims at the time they are made. Accordingly, supporting evidence should be systematically collected, reviewed, and documented.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>This includes in particular:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>recognized environmental labels;<\/li>\n<li>life cycle analyses;<\/li>\n<li>testing and audit reports;<\/li>\n<li>scientific studies; and<\/li>\n<li>documentation on certification and control systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is not only important that such evidence exists, but also that it precisely matches the specific claim and is up to date. In practice, a centralized, legally reviewed repository is recommended, accessible in particular to marketing, sales, and compliance teams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-5n0pzmo-42b7a15ca3e8d528aacfdcaf2075727e'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-32' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-32' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-32' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"3. Legally validate labels and seals\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 3. Legally validate labels and seals\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 3. Legally validate labels and seals\">3. Legally validate labels and seals<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-32' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-32' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Trust marks, quality marks, and similar elements in use should be reviewed as to whether they are based on a recognized certification scheme or established by public authorities.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Particular care is required for self-developed symbols, pictograms, or \u201cbadges\u201d if they create the impression of an independent certification or quality mark and highlight environmental or social characteristics. Companies should therefore clearly define:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>which labels can continue to be used;<\/li>\n<li>which need to be adapted; and<\/li>\n<li>which should be discontinued.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Careful legal review is especially important here, as impermissible sustainability labels may be considered inherently unfair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-59sji00-de3d0e57bc44360472c6030bac09df59\">\n@keyframes av_boxShadowEffect_av-59sji00-de3d0e57bc44360472c6030bac09df59-column {\n0%   { box-shadow:  0 0 0 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n100% { box-shadow:  0 0 7px 0 #999999; opacity: 1; }\n}\n.flex_column.av-59sji00-de3d0e57bc44360472c6030bac09df59{\nwidth:48%;\nmargin-left:4%;\nbox-shadow: 0 0 7px 0 #999999;\npadding:0 0 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-59sji00-de3d0e57bc44360472c6030bac09df59 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-59  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_div shadow-not-animated av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler.activeTitle{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#00748f;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler:not(.activeTitle):hover .toggle_icon *{\nborder-color:#ffffff !important;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#00435e;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon, #top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f p.toggler.activeTitle .toggle_icon > span{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#133a1e;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#00435e;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-4yy1abk-2c369821b8a3988fe9a0b073f6e7f67f av-elegant-toggle  avia-builder-el-60  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-4fzhyf4-89f973eef5a13d91cf6588242b7afd14'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-33' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-33' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-33' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"4. Plan and substantiate forward-looking claims\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 4. Plan and substantiate forward-looking claims\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 4. Plan and substantiate forward-looking claims\">4. Plan and substantiate forward-looking claims<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-33' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-33' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Statements regarding future climate neutrality, emission reductions, or transformation (\u201cnet zero by \u2026\u201d) must not be based on mere declarations of intent.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Instead, they must be supported by realistic and verifiable implementation plans, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>measurable interim targets;<\/li>\n<li>concrete measures;<\/li>\n<li>allocated resources; and<\/li>\n<li>regular independent verification of progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Companies should therefore assess at an early stage which future-oriented claims they intend to communicate and whether these are actually supported by robust internal planning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-43b7ce8-7dc37231590f2b6173e9edcee7b8b311'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-34' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-34' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-34' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"5. Preparing point-of-sale information on durability and reparability\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 5. Preparing point-of-sale information on durability and reparability\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 5. Preparing point-of-sale information on durability and reparability\">5. Preparing point-of-sale information on durability and reparability<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-34' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-34' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The new requirements strengthen the importance of providing information on durability, reparability, and the availability of spare parts already before the conclusion of the contract.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Companies must ensure that such information is structurally prepared and can be made available to traders or distribution partners so that it can be communicated correctly to consumers.<\/p>\n<p>This applies in particular to products for which:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>reparability scores,<\/li>\n<li>durability guarantees, or<\/li>\n<li>other manufacturer information on repair and lifespan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>are available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-3kbyakg-01ca49508500c944456e0aef8a8148f6'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-35' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-35' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-35' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"6. Establish training and internal processes\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: 6. Establish training and internal processes\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: 6. Establish training and internal processes\">6. Establish training and internal processes<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-35' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-35' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>EmpCo compliance cannot be achieved through one-off reviews. A comprehensive approach is required, involving in particular marketing, product management, procurement, sustainability, legal, and compliance functions.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Employee training is a key element in creating a consistent understanding of permissible and impermissible claims and in preventing issues at an early stage.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, clear internal review, approval, and escalation processes should be implemented for sustainability-related communication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2w935s0-8473d6c339c413efadd95c4de02538a1\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-2w935s0-8473d6c339c413efadd95c4de02538a1{\nheight:80px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-2w935s0-8473d6c339c413efadd95c4de02538a1 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-61  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2cetfc0-1e46ded289a0dd0cd37fc51df6c7b3c8\">\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-2cetfc0-1e46ded289a0dd0cd37fc51df6c7b3c8 .avia_textblock{\npadding:30px 0 10px 0;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-2cetfc0-1e46ded289a0dd0cd37fc51df6c7b3c8'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Supporting legal advice<\/h3>\n<p>The implementation of the new requirements is complex, as it combines legal, technical, and communication-related considerations.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>We support companies in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>systematically reviewing existing communication;<\/li>\n<li>developing robust checklists;<\/li>\n<li>legally validating labels and forward-looking claims; and<\/li>\n<li>establishing internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance with the EmpCo Directive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our focus is on practical solutions that combine legal certainty with operational flexibility.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to hearing from you!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mit3c0-43223acce72398d94b5b6fcd6e1dec35\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-mit3c0-43223acce72398d94b5b6fcd6e1dec35{\nheight:80px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-mit3c0-43223acce72398d94b5b6fcd6e1dec35 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-63  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2af2oxs-0239e5a8ab31e148f52673de0ac0889f\">\n.flex_cell.av-2af2oxs-0239e5a8ab31e148f52673de0ac0889f{\nvertical-align:top;\nbackground-color:#f8f8f8;\n}\n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-2af2oxs-0239e5a8ab31e148f52673de0ac0889f{\npadding:70px 120px 50px 50px !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-2af2oxs-0239e5a8ab31e148f52673de0ac0889f av-gridrow-cell av_one_fourth no_margin  avia-builder-el-64  el_after_av_cell_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-last  content-align-top'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4avu68-7f189eb117b95a62bc00d4e0352d2d6b\">\nbody .av-special-heading.av-4avu68-7f189eb117b95a62bc00d4e0352d2d6b .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-4avu68-7f189eb117b95a62bc00d4e0352d2d6b .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"links\"  class='av-special-heading av-4avu68-7f189eb117b95a62bc00d4e0352d2d6b av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-65  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Aktuelles <span class='special_amp'>&amp;<\/span> Links<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-nd420w-ae6ab45de0bfd1f827a46e87b0ac0252'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>FAQs by Dr. Sebastian Engels and Dr. Julian Wernicke on the gwa website<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwa.de\/auswirkungen-von-empco-fuer-werbetreibende-und-agenturen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greenhushing f\u00fchrt langfristig zu Kundenverlust<\/a><br \/>\n(only in German)<\/p>\n<p>B&amp;B IP-Update<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/empowering-consumers-directive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greenwashing or permissible environmental claims?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>German Bundestag<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundestag.de\/presse\/hib\/kurzmeldungen-1125972\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Umsetzung von EU-Vorgaben zum Wettbewerbsrecht<\/a><br \/>\n(only in German)<\/p>\n<p>European Commission<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/commission.europa.eu\/document\/download\/3c257883-bb2a-4dd9-a6dc-501d587bb34f_en?filename=faq-empowerting-consumers-gtd.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQs on the EmpCo Directive<\/a><\/p>\n<p>European Union<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/dir\/2024\/825\/oj?eliuri=eli%3Adir%3A2024%3A825%3Aoj&amp;locale=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directive (EU) 2024\/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 February 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Digital Law 2026<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/engels-wernicke-in-digital-law-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Environmental advertising will continue to be possible in the future<\/a><\/p>\n<p>B&amp;B Bulletin 11\/2024<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/new-requirements-for-environmental-advertising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greenwashing \u2013 Federal Court of Justice decision and new requirements for environmental advertising in the EU<\/a><\/p>\n<p>B&amp;B Bulletin 01\/2024<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boehmert.de\/en\/advertising-with-green-claims\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Advertising with Green Claims<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-46834","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024\/825 \u2013 What Is It About?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Empowering Consumers Directive: 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