New Rules for Environmental Advertising Impact Logistics Sector
From September 2026, new EU regulations restrict environmental claims by logistics companies. Terms like 'green' or 'carbon neutral' now require strong evidence.
As of September 27, 2026, logistics companies are bound by new regulations from the Empowering Consumers Directive (EU) 2024/825 and a German Unfair Competition Act (UWG) amendment. These rules govern all external communication, including claims about low-emission transport, sustainable supply chains, environmentally friendly warehousing, and the use of certifications, labels, and ESG ratings. Marketing materials developed before this deadline are no longer automatically permissible.
The new provisions prohibit general environmental statements like 'green' or 'sustainable' unless proven excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated. Claims based solely on the purchase of compensation certificates, such as 'carbon-neutral delivery,' are now impermissible. Future promises, like 'carbon-neutral fleet by 2030,' require detailed, publicly accessible, and regularly verified plans with measurable interim goals and external validation.
In practice, claims such as 'emission-free delivery' or 'green logistics' are particularly risky if not clearly delimited, for instance, to the last mile or a single electric vehicle. Companies must substantiate their claims with consumption and fleet data, emission calculations, or other comparable reliable data. Even ESG ratings, like EcoVadis medals, require careful consideration and transparency to meet the new requirements.
Violations of the new rules can lead to civil law consequences, including demands for cessation and cost reimbursement from competitors or qualified associations. Logistics companies must now immediately review all their marketing and communication materials to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal repercussions and reputational damage.