EU Greenwashing Claims Checker
From September 27, 2026, EU Directive 2024/825 bans vague and unsubstantiated environmental claims. Check if your product's "eco-friendly", "sustainable", or "green" marketing claims comply with the new rules. Avoid fines and enforcement action.
How EU Greenwashing Claims Checker Works
Check if your environmental claims comply with EU Directive 2024/825. greenwashing checker for businesses to avoid fines. Provide your input in the form above and the tool analyzes it instantly in your browser, giving you actionable results without sending data to any server.
What Is the EU Anti-Greenwashing Directive?
Directive (EU) 2024/825, part of the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition package, bans misleading environmental claims in marketing. From September 27, 2026, businesses cannot make vague claims like "eco-friendly", "green", or "sustainable" without specific, verifiable evidence. The directive also bans displaying fake sustainability labels and making environmental claims based solely on carbon offsetting.
Claims That Are Now Banned
Examples of Non-Compliant Claims
- "Eco-friendly" without specifying what aspect is eco-friendly
- "Green product" without certified evidence
- "Sustainable" as a general claim without substantiation
- "Climate neutral" based only on carbon offsetting
- "Natural" when the product contains synthetic ingredients
- Displaying a sustainability label not from an official certification scheme
- "Biodegradable" without specifying conditions and timeframe
How to Make Compliant Claims
Environmental claims must be specific, substantiated with evidence, cover the full product lifecycle, and use recognized certification schemes. Instead of "eco-friendly packaging", say "packaging made from 80% post-consumer recycled cardboard, certified by FSC." Instead of "sustainable", specify the exact environmental benefit with data.
How to Interpret Your Results
Review all sections of the analysis, not just the overall score. Focus on actionable items — findings you can actually change or improve. Run the check multiple times with different inputs if you want to compare scenarios. Keep in mind that automated analysis provides a useful starting point, but may not capture every nuance of your specific situation. Use the results as guidance for improvement rather than a definitive verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU anti-greenwashing directive?
Directive 2024/825 bans vague, unsubstantiated environmental claims in product marketing within the EU. From September 27, 2026, claims like "eco-friendly", "green", or "sustainable" must be backed by specific, verifiable evidence.
What claims are banned?
Generic claims like "eco-friendly", "green", "sustainable", "natural", "climate neutral" (when based only on offsets), and any unofficial sustainability labels. Claims must be specific, evidence-based, and relate to the product's actual environmental performance.
Can I still say my product is recyclable?
Yes, but only with specifics: which parts are recyclable, in which regions, and what the actual recycling rate is. Vague "recyclable" claims without this context are non-compliant.
What happens if I don't comply?
EU member states must establish penalties which are "effective, proportionate and dissuasive." This typically means fines, mandatory corrective advertising, and potential removal of products from the market.
Does this apply to non-EU companies?
Yes. If you sell products or advertise in the EU market, the directive applies to you regardless of where your company is based.
What certifications are acceptable?
The EU recognizes official certification schemes like the EU Ecolabel, FSC (forestry), GOTS (organic textiles), Cradle to Cradle, OEKO-TEX, and other schemes established by public authorities or based on internationally recognized standards.