End of Greenwashing? Government Targets “Eco” and “Green” Claims

The Polish government has approved a draft amendment to curb greenwashing, requiring businesses to provide verifiable evidence for environmental claims and improving consumer access to product durability information by September 2026.

Cracking Down on Deceptive Environmental Claims

The Council of Ministers has approved a legislative proposal designed to limit greenwashing and help consumers distinguish between reliable product information and misleading declarations. The bill amends the Law on Combating Unfair Market Practices and the Law on Consumer Rights, as proposed by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK).

By aligning Polish regulations with European Union law, the government aims to support more informed purchasing decisions. The new rules prohibit companies from using general slogans like “eco,” “green,” or “environmentally friendly” without credible, scientific proof.

New Certification and Verification Standards

Under the new project, environmental labels and signs regarding a product’s impact on the planet will only be permitted if they are based on a recognized certification system or established by a public institution. This measure is intended to eliminate the use of unverified, self-styled labels that currently mislead the public.

Furthermore, businesses will be strictly required to substantiate their environmental claims with clear, objective, and verifiable evidence. Any marketing asserting that a product is more environmentally friendly than competitors will require proof of such claims.

Enhanced Consumer Protections for Repairs and Updates

Consumers will gain increased transparency regarding the repairability of products. Manufacturers must provide detailed information on whether a product can be repaired and to what extent, while digital services and software-reliant electronics must clearly state the duration of software support.

If a producer offers an additional durability guarantee, the information must be presented in a uniform manner across the entire European Union.

Expanded List of Unfair Market Practices

The UOKiK will expand its list of prohibited black-market practices to include 12 new items mandated by EU Directive 2024/825. This includes claims of carbon neutrality based solely on carbon offsetting, presenting mandatory product features as unique selling points, and concealing negative software update impacts.

The legislation introduces formal definitions for terms like “sustainability,” “durability,” and “software update.” It also establishes that withholding information about repairability or recycling capabilities during product comparisons will constitute a “misleading omission.” The new regulations are scheduled to enter into force on September 27, 2026.