Implementation tracker for the EmpCo Directive - Bulgaria
- Has the EmpCo Directive been implemented into national law?
- Have official guidelines, FAQs or interpretative guidance been issued by competent authorities or consumer protection bodies regarding the application of the EmpCo Directive?
- Are there any national or regional EN ISO 14024 type I ecolabelling schemes that substantiate a generic environmental claim as they demonstrate “recognised excellent environmental performance”?
- Which sanctions and enforcement mechanisms are available or envisaged (e.g. administrative fines, prohibition orders, injunctions, market bans, civil enforcement actions)?
- Which authorities or institutions are competent for enforcement and supervision?
- Is there already specific case law on environmental claims and/or sustainability labels?
jurisdiction
1. Has the EmpCo Directive been implemented into national law?
No.
1.1 Has a draft implementing act already been published?
Yes. A draft Law amending and supplementing the Consumer Protection Act which transposes the EmpCo Directive has been published and is open for public consultation until 29 March 2026.
It is available at: https://www.strategy.bg/bg/public-consultations/12187.
1.2 What is the expected timeline for transposition of the Directive?
No clear timeline for transposition can be identified at this stage, given the preliminary status of the draft law. The legislative process may also be affected by upcoming parliamentary elections.
1.3 Are any provisions envisaged exceeding the minimum harmonisation requirements, or specific deviations? Please specify.
At this stage, the draft law follows a copy-out approach, without introducing additional national measures exceeding the Directive's requirements. However, the text of the law may be amended until its final adoption by Parliament.
2. Have official guidelines, FAQs or interpretative guidance been issued by competent authorities or consumer protection bodies regarding the application of the EmpCo Directive?
No.
3. Are there any national or regional EN ISO 14024 type I ecolabelling schemes that substantiate a generic environmental claim as they demonstrate “recognised excellent environmental performance”?
Bulgaria participates in the EU Ecolabel scheme. However, the country has not yet established a separate national ecolabelling scheme that is officially recognised as an EN ISO 14024 Type I ecolabel.
4. Which sanctions and enforcement mechanisms are available or envisaged (e.g. administrative fines, prohibition orders, injunctions, market bans, civil enforcement actions)?
Enforcement is primarily administrative and includes fines and pecuniary sanctions, cease-and-desist orders and compulsory measures imposed by Bulgaria's Consumer Protection Commission, including removal or blocking of non‑compliant online content and, where necessary, court‑ordered suspension of access to infringing websites.
5. Which authorities or institutions are competent for enforcement and supervision?
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) is the main competent authority for enforcement and supervision, with courts involved where judicial intervention is required.
6. Is there already specific case law on environmental claims and/or sustainability labels?
No.
