Introducing ClimatePartner verified

The EU's Empowering Consumers Directive changes how sustainability labels work in Europe. Here is what that means for companies outside the EU, and how ClimatePartner is responding.

A new EU regulation, a global impact

From 27 September 2026, the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) introduces stricter requirements for sustainability labels used in the European market. Among other things, it mandates that all sustainability labels displayed to EU consumers must be based on a certification scheme verified by an independent third party.

ClimatePartner has updated its ClimatePartner certified label to fully comply with EmpCo. This means that from 27 September 2026, every product or company carrying the ClimatePartner certified label will meet these enhanced EU requirements, including mandatory third-party verification and evidence-based substantiation.

But what about companies that do not sell their products in the EU?

Why a separate label for non-EU markets

ClimatePartner works with over 6,000 companies worldwide. Many of them operate exclusively outside the EU.  

That is why we are introducing ClimatePartner verified.

What ClimatePartner verified is

ClimatePartner verified is our label for companies and products outside the EU. It is built on the same ClimatePartner Protocol, which is the document detailing all the rules, requirements, and recommendations companies must fulfil across five steps to receive the ClimatePartner certified label, and follows the same requirements as ClimatePartner certified, without the fifth step:

1. Carbon accounting: calculation of the Corporate or Product Carbon Footprint
2. Reduction targets and measures: concrete steps to reduce emissions
3. Financing climate projects: supporting certified climate projects
4. Transparent communication: full disclosure via the climate ID page

The underlying standard is identical. The only difference is that ClimatePartner verified does not include the additional EU-mandated third-party audit required by EmpCo.

Companies holding the ClimatePartner verified label can upgrade to ClimatePartner certified at any time by completing the additional third-party verification step should they choose to sell in EU markets.

When does this take effect?

ClimatePartner verified will be available ahead of the EmpCo enforcement date of 27 September 2026. Companies currently certified by ClimatePartner and operating outside the EU will transition to the ClimatePartner verified label.

What this means for your company

If you sell products or services outside the EU: You can continue demonstrating your climate commitment with ClimatePartner verified. Nothing changes in what you need to do; the label name simply reflects that EU-specific regulatory requirements do not apply to your market.

If you sell products or services in the EU, ClimatePartner certified remains your label, now fully EmpCo-compliant with independent third-party verification included.  

Regulations differ by region. The commitment to climate action does not. Whether a company carries ClimatePartner certified or ClimatePartner verified, it has calculated its emissions, set reduction targets, implemented measures, and financed climate projects.