The Evisentra rule base
The public rule index behind every assessment — every encoded rule shown with its primary source and last-checked date; items still being encoded are listed in the pipeline below. Your evidence stays private; the rules never are.
Sources are public guidance and official texts; some standards (ISO) are paywalled documents — we link the official catalogue pages. See the standards behind these rules →
18 claim families · rules across the US (federal + state laws), California, the EU, the UK, Canada, France, and Australia. Substantive additions and corrections are logged in the Method history.
What do the authority types mean?
- Binding law or regulation
- A statute, regulation, directive or decree with legal force in the market shown. Non-compliance is actionable on its own terms.
- Enforcement guidance
- A regulator's published interpretation of a law it enforces. Not binding in itself; it tells you how the regulator reads the statute behind it, and departing from it invites scrutiny under that statute.
- Voluntary or industry standard
- A published standard adopted by choice or by contract — ISO, EN, ASTM, GHG Protocol. It carries no legal force unless a law or an agreement incorporates it.
- Certification-program requirement
- The rules of a certification or labelling scheme. Binding on you only if you use the mark, and enforced by the scheme owner rather than a regulator.
- Evisentra interpretation
- Evisentra's own reading or a stricter evidence policy than the source requires. Ours, and arguable — it is labelled so you can disagree.
- Proposed or pending requirement
- Published but not yet in force, or still in draft. It cannot be breached today; it can make artwork obsolete tomorrow.
Authority classifications describe the nature of each source. Evisentra summaries are provided for readiness assessment and do not constitute legal advice or a determination of legal compliance.
Carbon neutral / net zero / climate neutral 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.5 (carbon offsets) | Enforcement guidance | Offsets must be real and disclosed; an unqualified 'carbon neutral' is deceptive without a clear basis. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US (California) | AB 1305 (Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures) | Binding law or regulation | Applies to entities operating in California that make carbon-neutral, net-zero, or significant-emission-reduction claims within California, and to marketers/sellers of voluntary carbon offsets: required public website disclosures (project, registry, verification detail), updated at least annually; enforceable with civil penalties. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Eco-friendly / green / environmentally friendly / sustainable 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.4 (general environmental benefit) | Enforcement guidance | Unqualified 'eco / green / sustainable' is deceptive; name a specific, proven attribute. Claims are made through words, symbols, logos, and depictions alike — imagery and colors count toward the overall impression. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Recyclable / 100% recyclable 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.12 (recyclable) | Enforcement guidance | Unqualified 'recyclable' needs facilities available to a substantial majority (~60%) of consumers where sold; caps/labels/liners must qualify too. Symbols count: an unqualified chasing-arrows / Mobius device makes the same unqualified claim, and a prominently placed resin code can imply one. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), Article 6 — recyclability | Binding law or regulation | All packaging placed on the EU market must be designed for recycling (from 1 Jan 2030) and recyclable at scale (from 2035), expressed in recyclability performance grades A, B or C; packaging below grade C is treated as technically non-recyclable and its placing on the market restricted (at least grade B from 2038) — so an EU 'recyclable' packaging claim must align with the PPWR grades. | source | 2026-07-15 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Recycled content (made from recycled material) 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.13 (recycled content) | Enforcement guidance | State the % and don't overstate. Distinguishing pre- vs post-consumer is OPTIONAL under §260.13 unless the claim makes that distinction — then it must be substantiated. (Requiring the split plus chain of custody is Evisentra's stricter evidence policy, not an FTC mandate.) | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), Article 7 — recycled content | Binding law or regulation | The PPWR sets minimum recycled-content percentages for the plastic parts of packaging placed on the EU market (varying by packaging type, phasing to 2030/2040) — so an EU recycled-content claim sits alongside a mandatory minimum, and the stated % must be verified. | source | 2026-07-10 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Biodegradable / degradable 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.8 (degradable) | Enforcement guidance | 'Biodegradable' must break down in customary disposal within a reasonably short time (landfill rarely qualifies); unqualified claims are deceptive. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Compostable (home / industrial) 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.7 (compostable) | Enforcement guidance | 'Compostable' needs competent and reliable scientific evidence (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400) and qualification where most consumers lack access to industrial composting facilities; home-compostable claims need home-condition proof. The Seedling / BPI / OK-compost devices are licensed certification marks — printing one without current certification is its own violation. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Lower-carbon / reduced footprint / X% less CO2 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.4 (general environmental benefit) | Enforcement guidance | Comparative claims need a stated baseline and a like-for-like functional unit (ISO 14026 / 14067). | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US (California) | AB 1305 (Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures) | Binding law or regulation | Applies to entities operating in California that make carbon-neutral, net-zero, or significant-emission-reduction claims within California, and to marketers/sellers of voluntary carbon offsets: required public website disclosures (project, registry, verification detail), updated at least annually; enforceable with civil penalties. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Plastic-free 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.9 ('free-of' claims) | Enforcement guidance | 'Free-of' must hold for the WHOLE product, incl. liners, labels, adhesives, coatings. §260.9's trace exception: the claim can still be permissible when the substance was never intentionally added and is present only at trivial background levels. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Bio-based / plant-based material 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.16 (renewable materials) | Enforcement guidance | Renewable-material claims need qualification (what material, how much, why renewable) and must not imply other benefits such as biodegradability. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US (USDA) | USDA BioPreferred / Certified Biobased Product label | Certification-program requirement | The USDA Certified Biobased label states a certified biobased content percentage (ASTM D6866); an uncertified 'plant-based' claim should still state a measured %. | source | 2026-07-03 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
BPA-free / bisphenol claims 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.9 ('free-of' claims) | Enforcement guidance | 'BPA-free' must hold for the whole food-contact article (lining, coating, closure) and must not imply the substitute (BPS/BPF) is safe. §260.9's trace exception: never-intentionally-added trivial background levels need not defeat the claim. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 (BPA in food-contact materials) | Binding law or regulation | BPA is banned in the manufacture of food-contact materials (limited derogations; transitional periods to 20 Jul 2026 and 20 Jan 2028) — so an EU 'BPA-free' claim may state the legal floor rather than a distinctive benefit. | source | 2026-07-03 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Reusable / refillable 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.14 (refillable) | Enforcement guidance | A refillable claim is deceptive unless a means to refill is actually provided (return/collection system or refill product sold). | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Less packaging / material reduction 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.17 (source reduction) | Enforcement guidance | Source-reduction claims ('X% less packaging') must state the basis of comparison — less than what, measured how, like-for-like. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
PFAS-free / restricted substances 10 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.9 ('free-of' claims) | Enforcement guidance | A 'PFAS-free' claim must hold for the WHOLE product (coatings, inks, adhesives, barriers) and must not mislead about trace levels or definitions. §260.9's trace exception can apply to never-intentionally-added background levels — but state PFAS laws define their own thresholds, so the definition used must be stated. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US (Maine) | 38 MRSA §1614 — PFAS in Products | Binding law or regulation | Category sales prohibitions phase in (2023 carpets/fabric treatments; 2026 cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, textiles; 2029 further categories) with manufacturer notification duties and a broad 2032 ban unless a use is deemed currently unavoidable. | source | 2026-07-03 |
| US (Minnesota) | Minn. Stat. §116.943 ('Amara's Law') | Binding law or regulation | Bans intentionally added PFAS in 11 product categories (from Jan 1, 2025, with some categories delayed to 2026), manufacturer reporting due Jan 1, 2026, and a comprehensive 2032 prohibition unless a use is deemed currently unavoidable. | source | 2026-07-03 |
| US (California) | AB 1200 (2021) — plant-fiber food packaging | Binding law or regulation | Since January 1, 2023, no person may distribute or sell plant-fiber food packaging containing regulated PFAS in California; chemicals-of-concern disclosure duties apply to cookware. | source | 2026-07-03 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), Article 5 — PFAS in food-contact packaging | Binding law or regulation | The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation restricts PFAS in food-contact packaging under Article 5 (substances of concern) with concentration thresholds — 25 ppb for any individual PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum, and 50 ppm for total PFAS (including polymeric) — applying from 12 August 2026; a product-design / market-access rule that sits alongside claim rules. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Natural / non-toxic / chemical-free 6 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.4 (general environmental benefit) | Enforcement guidance | 'Natural' / 'chemical-free' are not environmental claims; define the term or avoid it. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Made with renewable / green / clean energy 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance | Voluntary or industry standard | Disclose the instruments (RECs / PPAs / guarantees of origin) and distinguish market- from location-based. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US (California) | AB 1305 (Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures) | Binding law or regulation | Applies to entities operating in California that make carbon-neutral, net-zero, or significant-emission-reduction claims within California, and to marketers/sellers of voluntary carbon offsets: required public website disclosures (project, registry, verification detail), updated at least annually; enforceable with civil penalties. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Ocean-bound / ocean / recovered-ocean plastic 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.13 (recycled content) | Enforcement guidance | 'Ocean-bound' / 'ocean plastic' is a recycled-content and origin claim: state the verified percentage, the collection scheme and chain of custody, and the definition of 'ocean-bound' used — don't imply the whole item or a broad environmental benefit. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.4 (general environmental benefit) | Enforcement guidance | Recovered-plastic content alone doesn't substantiate a general 'green' benefit. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Microplastic-free / no microplastics 8 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.9 ('free-of' claims) | Enforcement guidance | A 'microplastic-free' claim must hold for the whole product and not mislead about trace or unintentionally present microplastics; match the regulatory definition. §260.9's trace exception covers never-intentionally-added trivial background levels. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 (REACH restriction — intentionally added microplastics) | Binding law or regulation | The EU restricts synthetic polymer microparticles intentionally added to products (REACH restriction adopted 2023), phased in by use with information duties where microplastics remain — so a 'microplastic-free' claim must match the regulatory definition and cover intentionally added microplastics. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| US | Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-114) | Binding law or regulation | Federal law prohibits manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics (including OTC drugs such as toothpaste) containing plastic microbeads — manufacturing banned from 1 Jul 2017 and interstate commerce from 1 Jul 2018 (later dates for cosmetic-drugs) — so a 'microplastic-free' rinse-off cosmetic claim intersects a hard federal ban. | source | 2026-07-14 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
Deforestation-free / zero-deforestation sourcing 7 rules
| Market | Rule | Authority type | Why it applies | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | FTC Green Guides — 16 CFR §260.4 (general environmental benefit) | Enforcement guidance | A 'deforestation-free' / 'zero-deforestation' claim needs traceability to origin and a stated cut-off date, not a slogan. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| EU | Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (EU Deforestation Regulation, EUDR) | Binding law or regulation | Operators and traders placing cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber (and derived products such as leather, chocolate, furniture) on the EU market must prove the goods are deforestation-free with geolocation and due diligence; obligations apply from 30 Dec 2026 (large/medium) and 30 Jun 2027 (micro/small) — a 'deforestation-free' claim should rest on that traceability and cut-off date, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| EU | Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825) | Binding law or regulation | Amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, transposed by member states, applying to consumer-facing commercial practices from 27 Sep 2026: generic environmental claims ('eco', 'green', 'climate friendly') are banned unless recognised excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and offset-based climate-neutrality product claims are blacklisted outright. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| UK | DMCC Act 2024 + CMA Green Claims Code | Binding law or regulation | The CMA can take enforcement action on misleading green claims, and significant penalties may apply. | source | 2026-06-25 |
| Canada | Competition Act s.74.01(1)(b.1)/(b.2) (Bill C-59) + Competition Bureau environmental-claims guidelines | Binding law or regulation | Product environmental-benefit claims must be based on adequate and proper testing, and business/activity claims on adequate and proper substantiation, BEFORE the claim is made; the onus is on the advertiser. The earlier 'internationally recognized methodology' requirement was REMOVED by the Budget 2025 Implementation Act (Royal Assent March 26, 2026); the testing and substantiation duties remain. Significant penalties apply (statutory maximums up to $10M or 3% of worldwide revenue; e.g., Keurig Canada paid $3M over recycling claims). | source | 2026-07-03 |
| France | Loi AGEC — Décret 2022-748 (consumer environmental info) | Binding law or regulation | France prohibits vague environmental wording such as 'biodégradable' and 'respectueux de l'environnement' (environmentally friendly), and equivalents, on consumer products and packaging (Art. R.541-223), and mandates standardized environmental information (recyclability, recycled content, Triman sorting) — so a French claim must use specific, regulated wording, not a slogan. | source | 2026-07-09 |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law + ACCC environmental-claims guidance | Binding law or regulation | Under the Australian Consumer Law, environmental and sustainability claims must be truthful, substantiated with evidence, and not misleading or deceptive; the ACCC's 'Making environmental claims: a guide for business' sets good-practice principles and greenwashing is an active ACCC enforcement priority. | source | 2026-07-09 |
In the rule pipeline
Being encoded next — each entry ships only after primary-source verification, and is logged in the Method history:
- Claim-engine market rows for more regions as buyer demand indicates (the disclosure regimes themselves — India BRSR/EPR, Australia, Japan, Brazil — are listed on the standards page)
- France AGEC Triman / info-tri labelling detail rows
- Further US state PFAS categories as the statutory timelines advance
Missing a claim family or market you need? Tell us — demand moves the pipeline.