“Climate neutral” and “CO2 compensated” claims under EU Directive 2024/825
Updated 14 October 2026 · Guidance only, not legal advice.
Since 27 September 2026 it is always unfair in the EU to claim that a product has a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions based on offsetting (Directive (EU) 2024/825, Annex I point 4c). This hits labels such as “climate neutral”, “carbon neutral”, “CO2 compensated”, “net zero product” and “climate positive” when they rely on buying carbon credits.
What is still allowed
- Real reductions in your own value chain, stated specifically and backed by evidence – e.g. “Production powered by 100% renewable electricity since 2025”.
- Transparent information about climate contributions – e.g. “We fund the X reforestation project” – as long as you do not present it as making the product neutral, reduced or positive.
Future claims: “net zero by 2030”
Claims about future environmental performance are misleading unless they are backed by clear, objective, publicly available and verifiable commitments, set out in a detailed and realistic implementation plan with measurable, time-bound targets, and regularly verified by an independent third-party expert whose findings are made public (Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, Art. 6(2)(d) as amended). Most small shops cannot meet this – so drop the claim or describe concrete steps already taken.
Rewrites
| Risky wording | Safer, specific wording |
|---|---|
| Climate-neutral delivery | We support the X climate project with €1 per order |
| CO2-compensated product | Remove the claim, or state measured reductions (e.g. 30% less energy vs. 2022 model) |
| Net zero by 2030 | In 2026 we switched our warehouse to renewable electricity |
Check your product text for free → · Shopify store? ClaimSafe finds these claims across all products. Read also: Is “eco-friendly” banned in the EU?