Wettbewerbszentrale 2026: Strict Control of Greenwashing
The Wettbewerbszentrale
The Zentrale zur Bekämpfung unlauteren Wettbewerbs e.V. (Wettbewerbszentrale, German Centre for Protection against Unfair Competition) based in Bad Homburg, has been the largest self-regulatory body in the German economy since 1912.
Role in Greenwashing
The Wettbewerbszentrale, similar to the DUH, has the right to sue under § 8b UWG. However, unlike the DUH, it focuses on competition violations between companies — and not primarily on consumer protection.
Current Focus 2025/2026
1. **Climate neutral advertising** — Systematic prosecution following the Katjes ruling
2. **Own sustainability seals** — Per-se prohibition from the entry into force of EmpCo
3. **“Promises for the future”** — “Carbon neutral by 2030” without a plan
4. **Industry-specific deficiencies** — e.g. energy suppliers
Proceedings
1. **Anonymous notifications** are possible via the Wettbewerbszentrale website
2. **Preliminary review** by employees
3. **Warning letter** to the affected company
4. **Declaration of commitment** with contractual penalty (typically €5,001)
5. **In case of refusal**: Lawsuit before a civil court
Statistics
- Over 1,500 completed proceedings per year
- Approximately 10–15 % relate to greenwashing (increasing)
- Success rate approx. 92 %
What you can do
- Competitor watch: Regularly check the advertising of competitors
- Own compliance: Empcora for self-assessment
- In case of violations: Notification to the Wettbewerbszentrale (legitimate competitive strategy)
- In case of your own warning letter: Consult a lawyer
