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Green Claims & Digital Product Passports
COM/2023/166 (Proposed)
The proposed Green Claims Directive aims to combat greenwashing by requiring businesses to substantiate environmental claims with scientific evidence. It directly complements DPPs by requiring verifiable data behind sustainability assertions — such a...
Overview
The proposed Green Claims Directive aims to combat greenwashing by requiring businesses to substantiate environmental claims with scientific evidence. It directly complements DPPs by requiring verifiable data behind sustainability assertions — such as "recyclable", "carbon neutral", or "sustainably sourced". DPP data provides the structured evidence base needed for compliant green claims. The proposal stalled in June 2025, when the Commission announced it intended to withdraw it; the Empowering Consumers Directive already bans generic environmental claims from 27 September 2026.
Key Requirements
The Green Claims introduces several requirements that directly impact how businesses manage product data and Digital Product Passports.
- Environmental claims must be substantiated with scientific evidence
- Claims verified by accredited third-party verifiers
- Life cycle assessment methodology for environmental claims
- Ban on generic environmental claims without evidence
- Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methods encouraged
- Carbon offset claims must meet additional transparency criteria
- Proposed maximum fines of at least 4% of annual turnover
- Consumer right to access substantiation data
Implementation Timeline
Key dates and milestones for the Green Claims.
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March 2023
Proposal Published
European Commission publishes the Green Claims Directive proposal.
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2024
Parliament and Council Positions
The European Parliament and Council adopt their negotiating positions.
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June 2025
Withdrawal Announced
The Commission announces it intends to withdraw the proposal, and the final negotiations are called off.
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September 2026
Consumer Rules Apply
The Empowering Consumers Directive (EU) 2024/825 bans generic environmental claims from 27 September 2026.
Affected Sectors
These product sectors are impacted by the Green Claims. Each has specific DPP requirements and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Claims Directive?
A proposed EU directive requiring businesses to substantiate environmental claims with scientific evidence and third-party verification, aiming to eliminate greenwashing.
How does it relate to DPPs?
DPPs provide the structured, verifiable environmental data (carbon footprint, recycled content, recyclability) needed to substantiate green claims. Together they create an evidence-based transparency framework.
Is it in force yet?
No. The Commission announced in June 2025 that it intended to withdraw the proposal, and it has not been adopted. The Empowering Consumers Directive (EU) 2024/825 already bans generic environmental claims from 27 September 2026.
What are the penalties for greenwashing?
The Commission's proposal set maximum fines of at least 4% of annual turnover for unsubstantiated environmental claims. The proposal is stalled, but national consumer law already penalises misleading claims.
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Prepare for Green Claims Compliance
Create your Digital Product Passports today with built-in ESPR compliance scoring, and be ready before the rules apply.