Although commonly referred to as ECGT, the directive is also known as EmpCo in some contexts. It is an EU law designed to protect consumers from misleading sustainability claims. The directive updates the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive by introducing strict rules for both environmental and social claims, excluding vague, unverifiable or overly broad sustainability messages.
March 24, 2026
The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT) 2026
From 27 September 2026, the rules for sustainability communication in the EU will tighten significantly. The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT) requires companies to fully substantiate any environmental claim they present to consumers. Broad statements such as “eco”, “environmentally friendly”, “green”, or “climate neutral” will no longer be allowed. Every environmental claim must be backed by verified evidence.
With ECGT, companies may face fines, product recalls or reputational damage. Those that can clearly prove their claims will gain a competitive advantage in a more transparent and trustworthy market.
Read more about ECGT
What SGS can do for you
Under the ECGT, companies may only communicate environmental or social claims when these are supported by clear, verifiable evidence and validated by an independent third party. SGS delivers precisely that assurance. With deep expertise in verifying product claims, sustainability data and certifications, SGS helps organizations demonstrate the accuracy of their statements, so they remain compliant, credible and ready for enforcement. Our independent verification strengthens trust and ensures that your claims can stand up to regulatory scrutiny in a landscape where only substantiated communication will be permitted.
Upcoming webinar
On 21 April, SGS will host a webinar dedicated to the new Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT). During this session, our experts will explain what the directive means for organisations and how SGS can support companies in preparing for the upcoming requirements.Q&A: Understanding ECGT
No. While environmental claims remain the primary focus, the directive also explicitly covers social claims, extending the scope of misleading commercial practices to broader ESG communication. This includes claims about labor conditions, human rights, community impact or other social responsibility topics unless they are backed by demonstrable evidence.
Generic environmental claims (e.g., “eco”, “green”, “environmentally friendly”), climate‑neutral claims based solely on offsetting, and sustainability labels without independent verification are prohibited unless supported by recognized certification systems or exceptional, provable performance. The same requirement applies to social claims: if they cannot be substantiated, they cannot be communicated.
The ECGT demands transparent, specific and verifiable sustainability information. Claims must be based on measurable data and, when relevant, independently verified. Future‑oriented commitments, such as climate targets must be supported by published implementation plans and subject to external monitoring.
The directive becomes fully enforceable on 27 September 2026, and member states must transpose it into national law by March 2026. Early preparation is essential due to the wide impact on marketing, labelling and corporate communication practices.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
