EU Member States must implement the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive by 27 March 2026. The directive (EU) 2024/825 strengthens consumer protection and targets misleading environmental claims.
It amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Consumer Rights Directive to improve transparency on sustainability and product durability.
Key elements include:
- Stricter rules on environmental claims to combat greenwashing.
- Ban on vague claims such as “eco-friendly” or “green” without clear evidence.
- Restrictions on “carbon neutral” claims based solely on offsetting.
- New information requirements on durability, repairability, and software updates.
For ferry operators, ports, and suppliers, the directive will affect how environmental and sustainability claims are communicated to consumers.
Companies will need to ensure that all green claims are substantiated, specific, and verifiable. Marketing language and sustainability messaging will likely require review before the rules start applying in September 2026.
