Implementation tracker for the EmpCo Directive - Ireland
- 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?
Yes. The Directive has been transposed in Ireland by S.I. No. 124 of 2026, which amends the Consumer Protection Act 2007 and the Consumer Rights Act 2022.
1.1 Has a draft implementing act already been published?
No. While no draft legislation had previously been published, this has now been superseded by the adoption of S.I. No. 124 of 2026.
1.2 What is the expected timeline for transposition of the Directive?
Transposition has now been completed in line with the EU deadline of 27 March 2026. The Irish Regulations provide for application from 27 September 2026, consistent with the Directive.
1.3 Are any provisions envisaged exceeding the minimum harmonisation requirements, or specific deviations? Please specify.
The Irish Regulations adopt the minimum harmonisation requirements set out in Directive. In particular, Regulation 8 introduces additional prohibited commercial practices that replicate those set out in Annex I of the Directive.
2. Have official guidelines, FAQs or interpretative guidance been issued by competent authorities or consumer protection bodies regarding the application of the EmpCo Directive?
Yes. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which is the Irish enforcement authority for the EmpCo rules, has published guidance for businesses on the implementation of the Directive. The guidance provides an overview of the new requirements and prohibited commercial practices introduced by the Directive and is available here. Further guidance or FAQs may be issued by the CCPC as the September 2026 application date approaches.
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”?
Ireland does not operate any national or regional EN ISO 14024 Type I ecolabelling schemes. The EU Ecolabel remains the only EN ISO 14024‑compliant ecolabel applicable in Ireland.
4. Which sanctions and enforcement mechanisms are available or envisaged (e.g. administrative fines, prohibition orders, injunctions, market bans, civil enforcement actions)?
Enforcement continues under the existing Consumer Protection Framework. Available enforcement mechanism include:
- Prosecution
- Prohibition orders
- Compliance Notices
- Undertakings
- Fixed Payment Notices
- Consumer Protection List
5. Which authorities or institutions are competent for enforcement and supervision?
In Ireland, enforcement and supervision of misleading consumer claims is primarily carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) under consumer protection and unfair commercial practices legislation, with Irish courts having powers to impose injunctions and penalties.
6. Is there already specific case law on environmental claims and/or sustainability labels?
In Ireland, there is little case law on environmental or sustainability claims; enforcement has instead occurred through ASAI determinations and regulatory oversight by the CCPC.
