Poland tightens rules on eco-friendly product claims
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The Polish parliament passed a law on September 4, 2026, to enforce new European Union regulations that will restrict how companies market their products as environmentally friendly.
The EU’s EmpCo directive, designed to combat greenwashing, requires companies to substantiate environmental claims with concrete evidence. Producers will no longer be able to use vague terms like “eco-friendly” or “green” without providing specific details about the product’s environmental benefits.
The new rules, which take effect in Poland on September 27, 2027, will prohibit companies from using their own “eco” labels, claiming a product is environmentally friendly based only on a portion of it being recycled, or presenting legally required standards as unique features. Only certification systems established by governments or independent bodies will be permitted on product packaging. Beyond environmental claims, the directive also aims to protect consumers from other unfair market practices.
These include planned obsolescence and providing false information about a product’s durability or repairability. Companies violating the regulations may face penalties of up to 4 percent of their annual turnover. The Polish Chamber of Electronic Economy advises businesses to review their packaging and marketing materials to ensure compliance.
