The Empowering Consumers Directive green claims checklist
From 27 September, your green claims have to stand on their own
The Empowering Consumers Directive (EU) 2024/825, known as EmpCo, applies from 27 September 2026. It changes what an organisation is allowed to say about its products in the EU from that date, and it is enforced through existing consumer and unfair competition law. Penalties are set by each member state and, for large-scale cross-border infringements, can reach at least 4% of the trader's annual turnover in the member states concerned.
What EmpCo stops, and what it still allows
Three things stop being permitted. Specific claims remain permitted, provided they are proven and cover one identified aspect — and so do future commitments, where an implementation plan and independent verification stand behind them.
No longer permitted
Generic claims such as "green" or "eco-friendly", unless the substantiation sits alongside them.
Climate-neutrality claims that rest on offsetting rather than on reductions already made.
Self-made sustainability labels an organisation created for itself, with no certification scheme behind them.
Still permitted
Specific claims, provided they are proven and cover one identified aspect of the product.
Future commitments, where an implementation plan and independent verification stand behind them.
This is why we created the EmpCo green claims checklist
Here's how it works.
Eight questions
Read each one and why it matters — the tests a claim has to pass under EmpCo.
A claims table
List your claims and answer all eight for each, so every claim is assessed the same way.
Your result
Read the table and see which claims to fix first.
There is no score and no result band. What you are left with is a list of the claims that would survive being asked about — and the claims that would not.
Where each claim goes next
A claim you have assessed yourself is still a claim you have assessed yourself — and it carries only as much weight as your own sign-off. This is where Speeki helps.
Speeki GreenDesk™
Assesses each individual claim before it is published, against the standards and regulations that apply. Every determination is signed off by a named Speeki expert — so the claim carries weight beyond your own sign-off.
Learn more Free to read & implementSPK GCMS3000:2026
Speeki's green claims management standard, covering ownership, evidence, review and renewal. It is free to read and free to implement.
Read the standardLet's talk through your green claims
Whether you want each claim independently assessed or you're implementing the standard yourself, our team can talk you through either one.
Let's talk
Green claims & EmpCo
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About Speeki
Speeki is an independent assurance and certification company helping clients worldwide turn their ESG and sustainability initiatives into a competitive advantage. From assurance and verification solutions – covering sustainability reports, environmental claims, ESG ratings, carbon and biodiversity – to certification solutions across ISO standards, Speeki helps organisations strengthen consistency, credibility and confidence.
All of this is delivered through Engage®, Speeki’s AI-powered platform.
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