Compliance
10/11/2026

European Commission plans to withdraw Green Claims Directive

The European Commission has announced plans to withdraw its proposed Green Claims Directive, which aimed to introduce specific requirements for businesses substantiating and verifying voluntary environmental claims.

The proposal was included in the Commission's 2027 Work Programme, with withdrawal expected within six months. Until formally withdrawn, the proposal remains pending.

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What does this mean for businesses?

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The proposed withdrawal does not affect the separate Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo/ECGTD), which has applied since 27 September 2026.

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EmpCo/ECGTD introduces additional restrictions on misleading environmental claims and sustainability labels. Businesses placing products on the EU market must therefore continue to ensure their environmental claims comply with the new requirements.

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Existing UK consumer protection legislation and the Competition and Markets Authority's Green Claims Code also remain applicable in Great Britain.

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Further information

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UKFT will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed. If you have questions about environmental claims or how the changing requirements affect your business, please contact compliance@ukft.org to discuss further. Members can access the UKFT Guide to the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive by emailing the Regulation & Compliance team.

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