Commission welcomes common understanding by national consumer protection authorities for fair and simple enforcement of green labelling rules

The European Commission welcomes the Common Understanding reached by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) - the network of national consumer protection authorities –outlining how the national authorities will  enforce the Directive Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition. The Directive improves the reliability and transparency of green claims and sustainability labels and encourages businesses to prevent greenwashing.

The Common Understanding will ensure a smooth transition, keeping costs for companies as low as possible. For instance, it clarifies how national authorities should treat goods that were already made by the date of application. National authorities agreed to take into account genuine transitional difficulties and practical constraints, such as stock volumes, product shelf-life, or technical feasibility. In such cases, national authorities will also prefer preventive measures before considering sanctions, such as providing clarifications to businesses concerned.

Member States had until 27 March 2026 to transpose the Directive into national law. The Directive will apply on 27 September 2026.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “Everyone has a part to play building a more sustainable economy. Businesses are key actors in this process. However, when applying the rules, we must accompany them and take into account economic realities. This Common Understanding ensures an orderly transition that is fair to all, businesses and consumers alike.” 

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: “Consumers need clear and reliable information to make sustainable choices. At the same time, enforcement should be consistent and proportionate across the Single Market. The Common Understanding delivers both: a clear, fair, and ambitious framework that helps businesses comply with the rules while supporting the transition to more sustainable consumption.”

More information on the Directive can be found online.