Belgium Transposes EmpCo Directive: New Rules on Greenwashing and Sustainability Labels Effective 27 September 2026
On 29 May 2026, the Belgian government submitted a draft Act to Parliament transposing the EmpCo Directive into national law. The Act amends Books I and VI of the Code of Economic Law and is expected to enter into force on 27 September 2026. This legislation introduces new rules targeting greenwashing and the use of sustainability labels, with immediate enforcement through civil and criminal courts.
Key Provisions of the Transposition
- Prohibition of Generic Sustainability Claims: The Act expands the blacklist of automatically unlawful practices to include generic sustainability claims such as "eco," "green," "sustainable," or "climate-neutral" without proper substantiation.
- Regulation of Sustainability Labels: The use of sustainability labels not based on a certified third-party verification scheme is prohibited, ensuring that such labels are credible and verifiable.
- Enhanced Pre-Contractual Information Duties: Businesses are required to provide clear information on legal guarantees, repairability scores, durability labels, and eco-delivery options to consumers before contract conclusion.
Scope and Compliance
The transposition applies directly to B2C transactions but has significant indirect implications for B2B relationships through supply chain pressures and shared sustainability labels. Companies communicating on sustainability need to assess their practices to ensure compliance with the new rules.
For further information and guidance, businesses are encouraged to consult legal experts or refer to official communications from the Belgian government.
