MEPs and Member States agreed overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday to ban “generic”, vague and misleading environmental claims on labels and advertising, while fighting more effectively against premature “obsolescence” of products.
“Green product”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral”, “ecological”… The text concluded by the negotiators of the European Parliament and the European Council prohibits these imprecise expressions if they are not accompanied by detailed evidence. The adopted text also prohibits claims of neutral or positive environmental impact based solely on the compensation of carbon emissions which often amounts to tree plantings, an ineffective practice compared to the direct reduction of the company’s CO2 emissions.
To combat “early obsolescence”, other “misleading practices” will now be banned, such as unsubstantiated claims about the alleged lifespan of the product or the fact of presenting a good as repairable when it is not. is not or with difficulty. The legislation also prohibits incentives to replace “consumables” (e.g. printer ink cartridges) sooner than necessary, unnecessary software updates, or the unjustified obligation to purchase replacement parts or accessories from the original producer to the detriment of other manufacturers.
Only sustainability labels based on certification systems approved or established by the authorities will be authorized. A new harmonized European label will be developed to attest to an extended warranty period beyond regulatory deadlines, and information on the warranty will have to be more visible, while many consumers are unaware of the legal obligations existing in this area.
“This will make it clear which products last the longest, making it easier to purchase more sustainable products,” noted Croatian socialist MEP Biljana Borzan, rapporteur of the text. “This is the first time that a text prohibits the practice of premature obsolescence and offers concrete recourse to consumers. That the burden of proof finally rests on the sellers is a strong signal for our internal market,” said Green MP David Cormand.
The text must still receive the formal green light from MEPs and the Twenty-Seven before entering into force, with a deadline of two years for transposition into state law. This is a first step before a second, more ambitious draft of legislation against greenwashing. Proposed by the Commission in March and still under negotiation, it aims to prohibit all assertions that are not supported by factual and scientific bases, available via a QR code or on a website, with “dissuasive” sanctions. » in the event of a breach.
