Why EmpCo compliance pays off now
On 27 September 2026, the national implementations of the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition ("EmpCo"; EU 2024/825) will come into force. The directive regulates environmental claims made to consumers in the EU. Sustainability labels must then be based on independent certification. Labels without compliant verification will no longer be permitted. Companies that adopt a compliant system now strengthen their credibility and stand out from the competition.
Our labels "ClimatePartner certified" and "Financial climate contribution" meet the new requirements, and your customers can verify this.
More trust
Independently verified labels create greater transparency for consumers.
Transparency
Clear differentiation
Unverified labels will no longer be permitted in the future. Compliant companies stand out.
Competitive advantage
Legal certainty
A compliant certification reduces legal and financial risks.
Compliance
Future-ready
Those who meet EmpCo requirements today are also well prepared for future regulations.
Foresight
The most important changes, at a glance
Independent third-party verification | Self-declarations and proprietary labels are no longer permitted. |
Transparent access | Label conditions must be publicly available and non-discriminatory. |
Offsetting claims prohibited | Statements such as "climate neutral" are not permitted. |
Fees for violations | Fines of up to 4% of annual EU revenue are possible. |
Our labels for legally compliant climate communication
Independent certification bodies confirm compliance with the requirements of both labels. Consumers can verify every certification via the Climate ID and Tracking ID.
ClimatePartner certified
You calculate the emissions of the certification subject, define reduction targets, implement reduction measures, and finance certified climate projects.
The label is awarded according to the "ClimatePartner certified Standard".
Financial climate contribution
You calculate the emissions of the certification subject and finance certified climate projects.
The label is awarded according to the "Financial climate contribution Standard".
Your path to an EmpCo-compliant label
What requirements must companies, auditors, and communications meet? The ClimatePartner Certification Programme defines the specifications for our labels.
Consultation | Together we determine which label is right for your company. |
Carbon accounting | Together we prepare your Corporate or Product Carbon Footprint. |
Reduction | For ClimatePartner certified: You set science-based targets and create an implementation plan. |
Climate project financing | You support certified climate projects. |
Independent verification | An accredited verification body confirms compliance with the Certification Programme. |
Label with Climate or Tracking ID | You communicate your commitment transparently via your individual Climate or Tracking ID. |
Frequently asked questions
An EU directive (2024/825) to protect against greenwashing. It sets binding requirements for environmental claims and sustainability labels.
The new regulations come into force on 27 September 2026.
Sustainability labels may only be used if they are based on a certification system with independent third-party verification. Self-declarations and proprietary labels without external oversight will then be prohibited.
An independent certification body that verifies whether a company meets the requirements of the certification system. Its competence and independence must be based on international standards (e.g. ISO 17065).
No. Claims based on the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions that assert a product has neutral, reduced, or positive environmental impacts are inherently impermissible.
Yes, but only with a detailed, publicly accessible implementation plan that contains measurable and time-bound targets and is regularly reviewed by an independent expert. The results must be made accessible to consumers. SBTi validation alone is not sufficient for this purpose.
For companies with more than €1.25 million in annual revenue: fines of up to 4% of annual EU revenue. Without evidence for a revenue estimate, the maximum fine is €2 million.
Yes. The requirements apply to all providers targeting consumers in the EU single market, including those from other countries for both online and offline business.
EmpCo-related content
Blog: EmpCo Directive 2026: Clear rules for green claims
From 27 September 2026, stricter rules for environmental advertising claims will apply across the EU. Terms like "environmentally friendly" will only be permitted with clear evidence. With the Empowering Consumers Directive, the European Union sets binding standards against misleading environmental claims.
Free checklist for reviewing environmental claims
Which claims will be permissible in the future and where do risks arise? Our checklist helps you review your environmental claims and prepare specifically for the new requirements.
What is the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive?
The EmpCo Directive supplements the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Consumer Rights Directive. It requires verifiable, scientifically substantiated evidence for environmental claims. From 27 September 2026, companies must apply the new rules on a binding basis.