A public consultation launched by the European Commission, on an initiative for a possible revision of EU consumer legislation to help consumers play an active role in a more sustainable economy, by making informed sustainable choices, is open until 1 September.
This initiative, announced in the European Green Deal, is scheduled for the second quarter of 2021.
Its main aim is to ensure that consumers obtain reliable and useful information about products: for example, on their lifespan and repair possibilities, software updates, etc. It also aims to avoid exaggerated or misleading environmental claims (green washing) and the sale of products with a reduced lifespan due to planned obsolescence.
In doing so, it will meet the objective of the new consumer programme under preparation and one of the objectives of the new action plan for the circular economy, presented in March in the framework of the European Green Deal (see EUROPE 12444/1). It should boost demand for green products and services, reduce the environmental footprint of products and services, while ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
The revision of the consumer legislation or a new autonomous European directive are among the options under consideration. To access the consultation: https://bit.ly/3g6N3A5 (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)