Overview

• Under the draft, companies must substantiate labels such as “sustainable,” “biodegradable” and “climate neutral” with verifiable evidence and publicly available implementation plans.
• Self-issued eco-seals will be banned and all sustainability certifications must come from state-approved or independently audited systems.
• The proposal outlaws advertising products engineered for planned obsolescence and prohibits online design patterns that manipulate consumers in financial service contracts.
• Federal states and industry associations can submit feedback on the amendment until July 25, after which the Justice Ministry will seek cabinet approval followed by Bundestag and Bundesrat debates.
• The reforms are designed to align Germany with the EU’s February 2024 directive on environmental marketing claims ahead of the March 2026 transposition deadline.