„Proprietary sustainability label"
Annex I No. 2 UCPD as amended by EmpCo (EU 2024/825), Art. 8(2) EmpCo
What does it mean?
In-house sustainability labels without independent verification are prohibited from 27 September 2026 under the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825). The Directive, which amends the UCPD (Unfair Commercial Practices Directive), prohibits misleading environmental claims without recognised proof (Annex I No. 2 UCPD). Such a label suggests a level of sustainability that is not verified by an independent body and therefore violates § 5 UWG. Mere claims of sustainability without transparent and verifiable criteria are inadmissible. Instead, companies must rely on established, accredited certification systems to credibly document their sustainability efforts.
Typical phrasings
- "Our Green-Choice range"
- "Sustainability label of Company X"
- "Particularly environmentally friendly with our Eco-Label"
What you can write instead
Switching to recognised external labels: EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel (RAL-UZ-No.), FSC, GOTS, Cradle to Cradle Certified.
Required evidence
- ISO 17065 (conformity assessment)
- DAkkS accreditation (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle)
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."Does your website use „Proprietary sustainability label"?
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