NEW DELHI: Any product claiming to be eco-friendly, good for the planet, organic or sustainable must disclose the basis of such claims with credible certifications or scientific evidence . Failure to do so will attract penalties for misleading advertising and unfair trade practices, as per the new guidelines on the prevention of ‘green-washing’ or misleading environmental claims .
The guidelines that came into force on Tuesday specify that manufacturers and service providers making such claims will have to disclose the information on the pack, advertisement, QR codes or website.
Claims such as ‘Cruelty-free’, ‘Carbon Neutral’, “100% Natural’ and ‘Plastic-free’ will also have to be supported by disclosures based on scientific evidence, certificates from statutory entities or independent third-party verifications. Additionally, they also have to specify whether the claim refers to the product as a whole, its manufacturing process, packaging, usage, or disposal.
The norms are applicable to manufacturers, service providers, traders, advertising agencies and endorsers. The guidelines are not applicable to the mission statement of a firm.
Green-washing refers to claims by companies about products and services having no or less adverse impact on the environment.
On whether govt would give some time for companies to exhaust their stocks, Union consumer affairs secretary and chief commissioner of Central Consumer Protection Authority, Nidhi Khare said, “We have spent almost a year talking to industry and other stakeholders. By now all are aware of the contours and their responsibility... The guidelines do not prohibit environmental claims but seek to ensure they are made with integrity and transparency.”
She added that any deceptive or misleading practices, which include concealing or omitting relevant information for making vague, false or unsubstantiated environmental claims come under the guidelines.
The guidelines also specify that while using technical terms like ‘environmental impact assessment (EIA)’, ‘green house emission’ and ‘ecological footprint’, companies must use consumer-friendly language and explain the meaning and implications of such technical claims.
The guidelines that came into force on Tuesday specify that manufacturers and service providers making such claims will have to disclose the information on the pack, advertisement, QR codes or website.
Claims such as ‘Cruelty-free’, ‘Carbon Neutral’, “100% Natural’ and ‘Plastic-free’ will also have to be supported by disclosures based on scientific evidence, certificates from statutory entities or independent third-party verifications. Additionally, they also have to specify whether the claim refers to the product as a whole, its manufacturing process, packaging, usage, or disposal.
The norms are applicable to manufacturers, service providers, traders, advertising agencies and endorsers. The guidelines are not applicable to the mission statement of a firm.
Green-washing refers to claims by companies about products and services having no or less adverse impact on the environment.
On whether govt would give some time for companies to exhaust their stocks, Union consumer affairs secretary and chief commissioner of Central Consumer Protection Authority, Nidhi Khare said, “We have spent almost a year talking to industry and other stakeholders. By now all are aware of the contours and their responsibility... The guidelines do not prohibit environmental claims but seek to ensure they are made with integrity and transparency.”
She added that any deceptive or misleading practices, which include concealing or omitting relevant information for making vague, false or unsubstantiated environmental claims come under the guidelines.
The guidelines also specify that while using technical terms like ‘environmental impact assessment (EIA)’, ‘green house emission’ and ‘ecological footprint’, companies must use consumer-friendly language and explain the meaning and implications of such technical claims.
You may also like
Nearly 58.9 % voting in panchayat elections in Ludhiana district at 1,408 polling booths till 4 pm
Step-by-Step Guide to Doing a Gold Facial at Home for Glowing Skin
Three die while cleaning septic tank in Bihar's Darbhanga
Palak Tiwari's daughter Palak said something so big about Shweta Tiwari
World's fastest, toughest and slimmest range of memory solutions showcased at Gitex Global 2024
Time is running out for Ukraine, says Nicholas Drummond
'Don't write us down, a revival is around the corner': Kumar Mangalam Birla on Voda Idea
South Mumbai's iconic Rhythm House gets a new owner under insolvency auction
Incredible train journey through Europe's 'most beautiful' scenery
Ashok Gehlot & Sachin Pilot to work together in Maha elections
New venture seeks to boost quantum computing in the Middle East
Prague bans pub crawls to stop Brit stag dos and attract 'better class of tourist'
Salman Bin Ali receives 'Best Realtor of the Decade' award
By-Polls In Budhni & Vijaypur Set For November 13: BJP, Congress Gear Up For Key Battles
West Indies Thrash England To Reach Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Semis
"Hope we will get justice in people's court": Aaditya Thackeray as ECI announces election schedule for Maharashtra
Transport ministry approves funding for India's first flash-charging bus system in Nagpur
Bomb threats: Singapore scrambles jets for AI Express flight from Madurai; lands safely
Communal tension flares up in north Tripura
EasyJet passengers feel like 'hostages' after being 'barred' from entering Spain