On 28 January, the European Commission (EC) and national consumer protection authorities published the results of the first-ever coordinated screening of online claims regarding the beneficial or less harmful environmental impact of goods or services. The EC collaborated with the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network, which comprises national authorities tasked with enforcing EU consumer protection legislation to safeguard consumer interests in EU and European Economic Area countries.

This coordinated screening examined 344 cases of so-called environmental claims across various business sectors, such as clothing, cosmetics, and household equipment.

National consumer protection authorities had reason to believe that in 42% of cases, the claims were exaggerated, false or misleading and could, under EU regulations, be classified as an unfair commercial practice.