Empowering Consumers Directive (EU 2024/825)

The Empowering Consumers Directive, formally Directive (EU) 2024/825, is the European rule that aims to empower consumers in the green transition by improving their protection against unfair commercial practices and giving them better information. It amends two existing directives (2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and 2011/83/EU on consumer rights) to curb greenwashing and premature obsolescence.

Member States had to transpose it by 27 March 2026, and its measures apply from 27 September 2026. In Spain, transposition is being channelled through the forthcoming Sustainable Consumption Law.

What it bans and regulates

The directive introduces a set of practices that become unfair and therefore prohibited:

• Generic environmental claims (for example, "eco-friendly", "green" or "environmentally friendly") when recognised excellent environmental performance cannot be demonstrated.
• Claims of product climate neutrality based solely on emissions offsetting.
• The use of sustainability labels or seals not based on a recognised certification scheme or not established by public authorities.
• Practices linked to premature obsolescence, such as omitting information on lifespan, unnecessary software updates or restrictions on repair with non-original parts.

Labels, claims and future obligations

From its application, only sustainability labels established by a public authority or based on a certification scheme meeting the directive's requirements may be used in the EU. The EU Ecolabel is an example of a reliable public label. Claims about future environmental performance will need an implementation plan verified by an independent third party.

Links to other rules

The Empowering Consumers Directive complements the Right to Repair Directive and connects with sustainable product policies such as ecodesign and the Digital Product Passport. It is important to distinguish it from the proposed Green Claims Directive, which was withdrawn in 2025: the Empowering Consumers Directive is in force and sets the general framework against misleading claims, while the detailed rules on how to substantiate each claim were left undeveloped when the Green Claims proposal was withdrawn.

What it means for your company

Any company that communicates environmental attributes of its products or services must review its messages, labels and warranties to avoid prohibited practices. The key is being able to back every claim with solid data. At Manglai we help you measure and document your environmental performance so your communications are truthful and verifiable. Discover how Manglai can help you.