BuzzBytes New Delhi, 20th February 2024: The Central Consumer Protection Authority has invited public comments on the Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing. The guidelines, applicable to all advertisements, aim to curb false or misleading environmental claims. No entity falling under these guidelines shall engage in greenwashing.The draft guidelines define greenwashing as any deceptive practice involving concealing, omitting, or exaggerating relevant information related to environmental claims. It includes the use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery that emphasize positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful attributes.Applicable to service providers, product sellers, advertisers, advertising agencies, and endorsers, the guidelines restrict the use of vague terms such as ‘green,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ ‘eco-consciousness,’ ‘good for the planet,’ and ‘cruelty-free’ without adequate disclosures.The guidelines mandate various disclosures, including ensuring full disclosure of environmental claims, avoiding selective presentation of data, clearly defining the scope of environmental claims, and backing all claims with verifiable evidence. Comparative claims must be based on relevant data, and specific claims should have credible certification and third-party verification.The guidelines also allow aspirational or futuristic environmental claims only when accompanied by clear and actionable plans detailing how those objectives will be achieved. The public is invited to provide comments, suggestions, or feedback on the guidelines until 21st March 2024. The draft guidelines can be accessed on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Calls for Public Comments on Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing
