Green claims and redemption fees under the spotlight – nationwide consumer protection inspection launched

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) has launched a nationwide thematic inspection to assess the sustainability of consumer protection practices in traditional and electronic commerce. The primary objective of the inspection, to be conducted by government offices under the professional supervision of the NATCP, is to verify compliance with the rules on redemption fees and to determine whether the green claims made by businesses on certain products are true, accurate, and verifiable.

The purpose of introducing a redemption fee is to encourage consumers to return beverage containers, such as plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles, thereby promoting recycling and reducing waste. This contributes to the circular economy, reduces environmental impact, and promotes sustainable and conscious consumer behavior.

Government inspections cover, among other things, whether the redemption fee is clearly and visibly displayed, whether redemption is available during all opening hours, whether manual collection is available in the event of a malfunction, whether consumers receive clear information about the operation of the redemption point, and whether the redemption fee is actually refunded in accordance with the consumer's request.

Another focus area of the investigation is the lawful use of green claims, which cover labels, expressions, or logos that refer to the environmentally friendly nature of a product, service, or business. These are intended to support consumers in making more sustainable choices and promote the development of an environmentally conscious economy. However, if the claims are unfounded or misleading, they constitute unfair commercial practices, as they distort consumer decisions and undermine confidence in genuinely sustainable products.

The consumer protection authority will examine general environmental labels ("Sustainable," "Environmentally Friendly," "Recyclable") as well as trademarks and logos such as the Eco-friendly product label or the EU Ecolabel, but will also check the legality of their use. The investigation will cover both traditional retail outlets and online marketplaces.

The NATCP considers important that consumers receive accurate and truthful information about sustainability aspects and that systems are in place that truly contribute to environmental protection.