The EU's Empowering Consumers Directive bans product claims like "carbon neutral" and "net zero" if they rely on carbon offsetting, starting September 2026. France already banned these claims in 2023. Companies face penalties of 4% of national turnover for violations.
September 2026, the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive bans product-level carbon neutral, climate neutral, and net zero claims if they rely on offsetting. France did this in 2023. Germany's courts have already struck down vague climate neutral marketing. The penalty floor is 4% of national turnover. Put those 3 together and the conclusion is unavoidable: offsetting on its own is no longer a credible climate strategy. If you're still doing it, you have a narrow window to change course before it becomes a legal and reputational liability.
