The time has come in Europe to cut red tape and keep businesses competitive. These are the pillars on which several associations representing the industry - including Cosmetics Europe - are basing their joint appeal to legislators for the simplification, the clarification and the rationalisation of the Green Claims Directive.
“EU policymakers are urged to carefully evaluate options to simplify, clarify and streamline the Green Claims Directive during negotiations, through the lens of the simplification and competitiveness agenda. The introduction of proportionality and legal predictability in the substantiation and ex-ante verification requirements should be a key priority. Adopting a well-designed and simplified framework is essential to align the Directive with the EU’s goals of boosting industry competitiveness and investments in the EU and avoiding green hushing,” the statement says.
The industry says it supports the aims of the proposed Directive that the Commission presented in June 2023, but sees challenges in the text that run counter to the European Commission’s recent drive to reduce administrative burdens and simplify legislative frameworks.
As the EU institutions begin negotiations on this Directive, the industry is listing the points that need to be improved:
• Lack of proportionate and clear substantiation and verification requirements risks preventing businesses from communicating to consumers and discouraging investments in sustainability, and the proposed ex-ante verification and certification process raises concerns due to its lack of predictability, harmonisation and practicality
• Unfeasible transition periods risk leading to waste generation, and products already on the market before the …
