On 9 March 2026, Legislative Decree of 20 February 2026 was published in the Italian Official Gazette, implementing EU Directive 2024/825 on empowering consumers for the green transition, with the aim of strengthening protection against misleading environmental claims.
The measure introduces new criteria to identify and prevent unfair commercial practices related to environmental and social sustainability. Among the key developments, it provides clear definitions of environmental claims, sustainability labels, durability, and other elements relevant to assessing the transparency of commercial communications.
The Decree specifically amends the following provisions of the Italian Consumer Code:
-
Article 21 – “Misleading actions”: extended to include, among potentially misleading elements, environmental and social characteristics of products, as well as circularity aspects—such as durability, reparability, and recyclability—and claims relating to future performance;
-
Article 22 – “Misleading omissions”: strengthens information requirements in comparative communications between products, particularly regarding environmental and social aspects.
The measure also expands the list of practices that are always considered misleading (Article 23). These include:
-the use of sustainability labels not based on certified schemes;
-unsubstantiated generic environmental claims;
-statements attributing characteristics to an entire product or company when they relate only to specific aspects;
-claims of climate neutrality based solely on carbon offsetting;
-and presenting legal requirements as distinctive features of an offer.
The new provisions will apply starting from 27 September 2026.
Contact us for further information.
