EmpCo

Directive (EU) 2024/825, known as Empowering Consumers (EmpCo). Amends Directives 2005/29/EC (unfair commercial practices) and 2011/83/EU (consumer rights). Three major contributions: (1) ban on unjustified generic environmental claims (‘ecological’, ‘green’, ‘climate neutral’, ‘reduced carbon impact’, ‘biodegradable’) without recognised proof; (2) ban on claims based solely on offsetting through carbon credits (‘carbon neutral thanks to...’) unless actual emissions reduction is demonstrated; (3) ban on private labels not verified by a third party. Transposition date: 27 March 2026, applicable on 27 September 2026. National penalties (in France: DGCCRF, up to 4 % of annual turnover). Do not confuse it with the Green Claims Directive (a separate proposal, more demanding on substantiation) or with the ECO Regulation (on packaging).