EU’s decisive move champions consumer rights in sustainability, green transition directive now official.
The European Council has taken the last step in the decision making process and adopted a directive to empower consumers for the green transition. The new rules will enhance consumers’ rights by amending the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) and the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD) and adapting them for the green transition and the circular economy.
“Thanks to the directive adopted today, consumers will be better informed, better protected and better equipped to be real actors of the green transition.” Said Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy and Employment
The directive is intended to protect consumers against misleading ‘green’ claims, including about unfair claims about carbon offsetting. It will also clarify the traders’ liability in cases of information (or lack of information) on early obsolescence, unnecessary software updates or the unjustified obligation to buy spare parts from the original producer.
Some printer manufacturers use firmware updates to restrict the use of remanufactured and compatible ink and toner cartridges. This practice is aimed at ensuring customers use only the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) supplies, which often come at a higher cost compared to third-party options. These firmware restrictions can affect consumer choice and competition in the printer supplies market, leading to debates about consumer rights and the environmental impact of increased electronic waste.
The directive will also improve the information available to consumers to help them make circular and ecological choices. For instance, products across the EU will bear a harmonised label with information on the commercial guarantee of durability.
Following the Council’s approval, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication.
