Additional information for brands & retailers
Green claims regulation is changing across Europe. COSMOS-standard has been closely monitoring Directive (EU) 2024/825 (known at the Empowering Consumers Directive) since its adoption.
The European Commission published a Q&A document in November 2025 to support the consistent application of the Directive ahead of its full entry into force. As transposition is still ongoing across Member States, some aspects of implementation will continue to be refined as national laws are enacted and practical experience accumulates.
Our current analysis reflects our best understanding of the text as it stands today, and we are committed to keeping it up to date.
Your COSMOS certification directly addresses these new requirements.
The documents below complement the former papers published in May 2026. They explain more about what te Empowering Consumers Directive means in practice.
Empowering Consumers Directive: Guidance for certified brands
Empowering Consumers Directive: Guidance for retailers
We will continue to monitor developments, update our guidance, and remain available to answer your questions at compliance-emco@cosmos-standard.org.
