New green claims rules are now in force: what they mean for reuse and repair organisations

On 27 September 2026, new rules aimed at tackling greenwashing came into operation. The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Regulations transpose an EU Directive that amends Irish consumer law. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is responsible for addressing non-compliance.

Do the rules apply to CRNI members?
In most cases, yes, wherever a member is selling goods or services to the public. The rules apply to business-to-consumer practices, and social enterprise or charity status doesn’t take an organisation out of scope. If your shop, online store or repair service sells to consumers, you are a “trader” for these purposes.
The good news is that reuse and repair are exactly the behaviours the rules are designed to encourage. The risk lies not in what members do, but in how they describe it.

What to check:

• Generic environmental claims: terms such as “eco-friendly,” “green,” “climate friendly” or “biodegradable” can’t be used unless you can demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance. Check your shop signage, website copy, social media, carrier bags and promotional materials. Be specific. Precise claims you can back up, such as the amount of material diverted from waste, are generally safer than broad slogans. Keep the evidence on file.
• Sustainability labels are only permitted if they are based on a certification scheme or established by public authorities. Review any in-house badge or “green” logo against that test.
• Claims about future environmental performance need a substantiated plan behind them, and claims that a product is climate neutral because of offsetting are prohibited.
• Guarantee and durability information: new information duties apply at the point of sale, including a harmonised notice reminding consumers of their legal guarantee rights. How these apply to second-hand and refurbished items, particularly electronics, is worth checking carefully against CCPC guidance.

What to do next:

• Read the CCPC’s guidance for business on the 2026 Regulations.
• Audit your consumer-facing claims and logos, and keep supporting evidence.
• Update or remove anything vague or unsupported.
• Seek legal advice if a claim or label is borderline.

This article is a general summary and not legal advice.

• September 29, 2026