The European Council adopts the ‘Directive on consumer empowerment for the green transition’. The new legislation will improve consumer rights by amending the ‘Unfair Commercial Practices Directive’ and the ‘Directive on consumer rights and their adaptation to the green transition and the circular economy’.

The Directive aims to protect consumers against misleading ‘green’ claims, including unfair carbon offsetting claims. It will also clarify the responsibility of traders to inform (or not to inform) about premature obsolescence, unnecessary software upgrades or unjustified obligation to buy spare parts from the original manufacturer.

The Directive also improves the information available to consumers to help them make circular and green choices. For example, products across the EU will carry a harmonised label with information on the commercial guarantee of durability.

Once the Directive has been signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council, it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force 20 days after its publication.

The proposal was presented on 30 March 2022 under the responsibility of Commissioner Didier Reynders. It is one of the initiatives contained in the Commission’s New Consumer Agenda 2020 and the 2020 Action Plan for the Circular Economy, and follows up on the European Green Pact. It is part of a package of four proposals, together with the Eco-Design Regulation, the proposed ‘Environmental Claims Directive’ and the proposed ‘Right to Repair Directive’.

For more information and access to the regulatory texts, click here.