The European Union is set to implement the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive on 27 September, a move that will significantly alter how the travel and tourism industry manages sustainability certifications and environmental claims.
In response to the upcoming legislation, the industry initiative Travalyst has launched the second phase of its Certifications programme. This initiative is designed to support stakeholders by providing a mechanism for certification schemes to self-declare their compliance with the directive before it becomes law.
Legal advisors have noted that the directive has a broad reach, applying to any company that conducts business or markets to consumers within the EU, even if the company has no obvious physical presence in the region. While the requirements are sector-agnostic, they are broad in scope, banning generic sustainability claims and unverified statements regarding future environmental performance.
To remain compliant, sustainability labels must follow one of two specific pathways. One pathway requires a certification scheme to act as a third-party verification system that is open to traders under transparent and non-discriminatory terms. Such schemes must be managed by an owner independent of both the trader and the verifier to ensure a clear separation of interests. The second pathway includes labels established by public authorities, such as the EU Ecolabel or the EU Organic logo, which are exempt from certain requirements due to their existing legal oversight.
A key component of the directive is the removal of self-certification and internal auditing procedures. The new rules mandate third-party auditing based on international, European Union, or national standards. This includes adherence to frameworks such as ISO 17065, which provides for periodic monitoring of products to ensure the continued validity of sustainability claims.
While the European Commission has provided some guidance to allow for flexibility in sector-specific circumstances, industry stakeholders continue to seek clarity. Challenges remain regarding the practical application of the auditing process and the specific timeframes required for full compliance.
