The Dutch implementation of the European Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition directive entered into force on 27 September 2026. General terms such as green, environmentally friendly and ecological may no longer be used without explanation unless they meet strict European or national standards.
Sustainability labels are also assessed more strictly. A company’s own label without independent verification is no longer permitted. Comparison sites and webshops that rank or filter products by sustainability must be more transparent about their methods and criteria.
The rules also cover information on durability, repairability, spare parts and possible adverse effects of software updates. Standardised information labels will be introduced for legal and commercial guarantees.
Old stock needs particular attention when packaging or product labels contain claims that no longer comply. In specific transition cases, regulators may take demonstrably old stock and timely efforts to update communication into account.