What is the EmpCo Directive?
European Directive (EU) 2024/825, also known as the EmpCo or ECGT Directive (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition), aims to actively combat greenwashing and better protect consumers as part of the ecological transition.
An overview of the directive
In order to provide consumers with reliable environmental information and give them the means to take action in favour of the ecological transition, the directive notably prohibits:
- The use of generic or vague environmental claims, such as “green”, “eco-friendly” or “nature-friendly”, when they are not supported by verifiable evidence.
- Self-awarded sustainability labels that have not been externally certified.
- Certain practices that could mislead consumers about the sustainability of products, their lifespan or the conditions under which they are used, particularly in relation to planned obsolescence.
Timeline for the directive’s implementation
- 28 February 2024: the directive was officially adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
- 26 March 2026: the directive entered into force.
- 27 March 2026: deadline for each European Union Member State to transpose the directive into national law.
- 27 September 2026: sanctions became mandatory for all companies operating in the European market.
Our approach to compliance
As part of the EmpCo Directive, ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès has launched a content review process for https://www.visiterlyon.com/. Our aim is to identify any environmental claims, sustainability-related information and other content that may fall within the scope of the directive.
This process includes:
- Identifying the relevant content.
- Reviewing our wording.
- Adapting our content where necessary.
- Raising awareness among our teams.
This approach helps us ensure that the information we share with our visitors is accurate and transparent.