EmpCo Directive timeline and key dates
Entered into force 26 March 2024. Member States had to transpose by 27 March 2026. Rules have applied to businesses since 27 September 2026 — with no grandfather period for existing products.
Entered into force on 26 March 2024. Member States had to transpose by 27 March 2026. Rules have applied to businesses since 27 September 2026 — with no grandfather period for existing products.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 22 Mar 2022 | Commission publishes the proposal (COM(2022)143) |
| 17 Jan 2024 | European Parliament adopts the directive |
| 20 Feb 2024 | Council formally approves |
| 28 Feb 2024 | Adoption (date in the directive's title) |
| 6 Mar 2024 | Published in the Official Journal (OJ L, 2024/825) |
| 26 Mar 2024 | Entry into force (20 days after OJ publication) |
| 25 Sep 2025 | Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960 — GARAN label design |
| 27 Mar 2026 | Transposition deadline for member states |
| 27 Sep 2026 | Application date — rules apply to businesses |
| 27 Sep 2031 | Commission must report on the directive's application |
There are no staggered earlier dates and no grandfather clause: products and marketing materials still on shelves on 27 September 2026 must comply, even if produced earlier. Industry asked for transition relief; the Commission declined.
Treat Germany as already enforcing EmpCo-style standards: the BGH "Katjes" decision of 27 June 2024 ruled that "klimaneutral" advertising without explanation in the same medium is misleading.
Citations: Directive (EU) 2024/825, Articles 3–5; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960.