The directive will 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.

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 of the European Parliament’s position, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the president of the European Parliament and the president of the Council, 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.