The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT): Are You Ready for 27 September 2026?

With the 27 September 2026 deadline approaching, businesses must prepare for stricter EU rules on sustainability claims.

A Turning Point for Green and Sustainability Claims

The way organisations communicate sustainability claims in the European Union is changing rapidly.

The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT) also known as EmpCo introduces stricter requirements to ensure that all claims made to consumers are clear, accurate and supported by evidence. For businesses operating in or selling into the EU, this marks a significant shift in how sustainability can be communicated.

Key dates:

• 27 March 2026 – Transposition into national law.
• 27 September 2026 – Full application and enforcement.

From this point forward, enforcement against misleading will increase across EU markets.

What Is Changing?

The directive introduces several important updates that directly impact businesses:

• Generic claims like “eco-friendly” or “green” are no longer allowed unless clearly substantiated.
• Sustainability labels must be based on recognised third-party certification or public schemes.
• Carbon neutrality claims based solely on offsetting are restricted.
• Future sustainability claims must be credible, transparent and backed by verifiable commitments.

In practice, this means a shift away from broad messaging toward specific, evidence-based communication.

From Green Claims to Enforceable Regulation

While much attention has been given to the proposed Green Claims Directive, it is the ECGT Directive that now forms the binding legal framework.

Combined with existing regulations and national enforcement, authorities already have strong tools to act against misleading claims, making early preparation essential.

What Should Businesses Do Now?

With the deadline approaching, organisations should begin preparing by:

• Reviewing all consumer-facing sustainability claims.
• Identifying high-risk or non-compliant language.
• Ensuring claims are supported by clear, verifiable evidence.
• Aligning internal teams across marketing, sustainability and compliance.

Acting now will help reduce risk and ensure continuity in communication.

How Peterson Solutions Can Help

Peterson Solutions supports organisations in navigating evolving EU regulations and strengthening their sustainability communications.

We help you:

• Assess and substantiate sustainability claims.
• Align with EU regulatory requirements, including ECGT.
• Leverage independent certification and verification.
• Build credible and compliant communication strategies.

Be Ready for 2026

With 27 September 2026 fast approaching, organisations must ensure their sustainability claims are compliant, credible and future-proof.

Peterson Solutions is here to support your journey toward compliant and transparent sustainability communication.