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Global Enforcement Tracker

Next update: Daily at 17:50 UTC

Status: SUCCESS

Recent global enforcement cases, court rulings, and new rules affecting greenwashing, ESG, and environmental claims.

Update completed. 11 new item(s) added.

Last updated: Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:43:31 GMT

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Issues Final Guidance on Environmental Claims

The ACCC has published its final guidance for businesses on making environmental and sustainability claims, outlining best practices and warning of enforcement action for misleading or unsubstantiated claims.

2024-12-14 | Australia | Regulatory Guidance | N/A | Asia-Pacific | Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Sets clear compliance expectations for environmental marketing in Australia and signals increased enforcement risk for greenwashing.

UK CMA Launches Formal Investigation into Unilever over Green Claims

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a formal investigation into Unilever's environmental claims on household and personal care products, assessing whether the company has misled consumers with its green marketing.

2024-06-11 | UK | Investigation | Unilever | Europe | UK Competition and Markets Authority

Signals increased scrutiny of large multinationals and sets expectations for substantiating environmental claims in the UK.

UK Advertising Standards Authority Issues New Guidance on Environmental Claims

The UK ASA published updated guidance for advertisers making environmental claims, focusing on substantiation, clarity, and avoidance of misleading 'carbon neutral' and 'net zero' claims.

2024-06-03 | UK | Regulatory Guidance | United Kingdom | Advertising Standards Authority

Advertisers in the UK must ensure environmental claims are clear, substantiated, and not misleading, or risk enforcement action.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commences Greenwashing Enforcement Action Against Clorox Australia

The ACCC has initiated Federal Court proceedings against Clorox Australia, alleging misleading environmental claims about its GLAD-branded kitchen tidy bags, specifically regarding biodegradability and compostability.

2024-05-30 | Australia | Enforcement Case | Clorox Australia | Oceania | Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Marks the first court action by the ACCC under its 2024 greenwashing enforcement priorities, highlighting the need for robust substantiation of environmental claims.

California Attorney General Launches Investigation into Fossil Fuel Industry Greenwashing

California's Attorney General has issued subpoenas to major oil companies and industry groups, investigating potentially deceptive environmental marketing and climate-related claims.

2024-05-28 | US-California | Investigation | North America | California Office of the Attorney General

Demonstrates growing US state-level enforcement focus on greenwashing, especially in high-impact sectors.

California Attorney General Launches Investigation into Fossil Fuel Industry’s Climate Claims

The California Attorney General has opened an investigation into major oil and gas companies for allegedly misleading the public about the environmental impact of fossil fuels and their climate-related advertising.

2024-05-28 | US-CA | Investigation | Multiple (Oil & Gas Sector) | North America | California Office of the Attorney General

Highlights growing U.S. state-level scrutiny of environmental marketing by energy companies, with potential for significant enforcement actions.

European Parliament Approves Green Claims Directive

The European Parliament adopted the Green Claims Directive, which will require companies to substantiate environmental claims with scientific evidence and face penalties for greenwashing.

2024-05-24 | EU | New Rule | European Union | European Parliament

Companies marketing products in the EU must prepare for stricter substantiation and transparency requirements for environmental claims.

US SEC Adopts Final Rules on ESG Disclosures for Investment Funds

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finalized rules requiring investment funds to provide enhanced disclosures about ESG investment practices, including how environmental claims are substantiated.

2024-05-22 | US Federal | New Rule | North America | US Securities and Exchange Commission

Sets new compliance requirements for asset managers and funds making ESG-related claims, increasing regulatory risk for greenwashing.

EU Parliament Approves Greenwashing Ban and New Rules on Environmental Claims

The European Parliament has adopted new legislation banning generic environmental claims such as 'climate neutral' without proof, and introducing stricter requirements for substantiating green claims in consumer marketing.

2024-05-17 | EU | New Rule | Europe | European Parliament

Establishes a harmonized EU-wide framework for environmental advertising, raising compliance standards for all companies marketing in the EU.

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office Opens Proceedings Against Deutsche Bank’s DWS for Greenwashing

The German Federal Cartel Office has initiated proceedings against DWS, Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm, over allegations of misleading ESG and sustainability claims in its investment products.

2024-05-15 | Germany | Investigation | DWS (Deutsche Bank) | Europe | Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office)

Signals increasing regulatory scrutiny of ESG claims in the financial sector in Germany and the EU.

Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) Fines Greenchoice for Misleading Green Claims

The ACM has imposed a fine on energy supplier Greenchoice for making misleading claims about the sustainability of its electricity, finding that the company failed to adequately substantiate its green marketing.

2024-05-14 | Netherlands | Enforcement Case | Greenchoice | Europe | Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets

Reinforces the need for robust evidence to support environmental claims in the Dutch market.

US FTC Proposes Updates to Green Guides

The US Federal Trade Commission has proposed updates to its Green Guides, seeking public comment on new standards for environmental marketing claims, including 'recyclable' and 'carbon neutral' claims.

2024-05-13 | US-Federal | Consultation | United States | Federal Trade Commission

US companies should monitor for changes and prepare to update marketing practices to comply with forthcoming FTC guidance.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Launches Greenwashing Sweeps

The ACCC has commenced a new round of enforcement sweeps targeting misleading environmental and sustainability claims across multiple sectors.

2024-05-09 | Australia | Investigation | Australia | Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Australian businesses face increased scrutiny and potential enforcement for unsubstantiated or misleading green claims.

France Issues First Penalty Under Anti-Greenwashing Law

The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) imposed its first fine under the 2023 anti-greenwashing law for misleading environmental advertising.

2024-05-07 | France | Enforcement Case | Leroy Merlin | France | DGCCRF

Marks the start of active enforcement under France's new anti-greenwashing regime, signaling increased risk for non-compliance.

Canada Competition Bureau Opens Inquiry into Lululemon’s Environmental Claims

The Competition Bureau Canada has launched an inquiry into Lululemon’s marketing of its 'Be Planet' sustainability initiative, following complaints about potentially misleading environmental representations.

2024-05-06 | Canada | Investigation | Lululemon | North America | Competition Bureau Canada

Highlights increased Canadian enforcement of environmental marketing claims and the need for clear substantiation.

India’s Advertising Standards Council Issues New Guidelines on Environmental Claims

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released updated guidelines for environmental and sustainability claims in advertising, requiring clear substantiation and prohibiting vague or unqualified green claims.

2024-04-30 | India | Regulatory Guidance | Asia | Advertising Standards Council of India

Sets new compliance expectations for advertisers in India, with potential for increased regulatory scrutiny.

France Issues New Decree on Environmental Claims in Advertising

The French government has published a new decree regulating the use of environmental claims in advertising, including requirements for substantiation and restrictions on certain terms such as 'carbon neutral.'

2024-04-30 | France | New Rule | Europe | French Government (Legifrance)

Introduces stricter national rules for environmental marketing, requiring companies to review and adapt their advertising practices.

California Attorney General Launches Investigation into Oil Industry Greenwashing

The California Attorney General opened an investigation into major oil companies for allegedly misleading consumers about the environmental impact of plastic recycling.

2024-04-30 | US-California | Investigation | ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP | United States | California Office of the Attorney General

Highlights growing US state-level scrutiny of environmental marketing, especially in the fossil fuel and plastics sectors.

India’s Advertising Standards Council Issues Advisory on Green Claims

ASCI released new guidelines for environmental claims in advertisements, requiring clear substantiation and prohibiting vague or absolute claims.

2024-04-24 | India | Regulatory Guidance | India | Advertising Standards Council of India

Indian advertisers must now meet higher standards for substantiating green claims or risk regulatory action.

UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Rules Against HSBC for Misleading Green Claims

The ASA has upheld complaints against HSBC for misleading environmental claims in its advertising, finding that the bank’s ads omitted material information about its financing of fossil fuels.

2024-04-24 | UK | Court Ruling | HSBC | Europe | UK Advertising Standards Authority

Sets a precedent for financial sector advertising and the need to disclose material qualifiers in environmental claims.

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office Opens Greenwashing Probe into Fashion Retailer C&A

Germany’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into C&A’s environmental marketing, focusing on claims about sustainable clothing lines.

2024-04-18 | Germany | Investigation | C&A | Europe | Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office)

Reflects growing enforcement in the EU’s largest economy and signals risk for fashion and apparel sectors.

India’s Advertising Standards Council Issues New Guidelines on Environmental Claims

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released updated guidelines for environmental and sustainability claims in advertising, requiring clear substantiation and prohibiting vague or misleading green claims.

2024-04-18 | India | Regulatory Guidance | N/A | Asia | Advertising Standards Council of India

Establishes new compliance standards for environmental advertising in India, increasing regulatory risk for non-compliance.

Canada’s Competition Bureau Opens Investigation into Major Retailer’s Environmental Claims

The Competition Bureau has launched an inquiry into a leading Canadian retailer’s allegedly misleading environmental marketing claims regarding product recyclability.

2024-04-18 | Canada | Investigation | Canadian Tire | Canada | Competition Bureau Canada

Signals increased enforcement of environmental advertising standards in Canada, with potential for significant penalties.

Germany's Federal Cartel Office investigates greenwashing in retail sector

The Bundeskartellamt launched an investigation into environmental claims made by retailers, focusing on potential misleading marketing practices.

2024-04-10 | Germany | Enforcement Case | Multiple | Europe | Bundeskartellamt

Retailers in Germany must ensure environmental claims are accurate and substantiated; increased regulatory scrutiny is expected.

Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets Fines Fashion Retailer for Greenwashing

The ACM imposed a fine on a major fashion retailer for making unsubstantiated 'sustainable' and 'eco-friendly' claims in its marketing.

2024-04-10 | Netherlands | Enforcement Case | Zalando | Netherlands | Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets

Demonstrates active enforcement of environmental marketing rules in the Netherlands, with implications for the fashion sector.

Canada’s Competition Bureau Opens Inquiry into Shell’s Carbon Neutral Claims

The Competition Bureau of Canada has launched an inquiry into Shell Canada’s advertising of its fuels as ‘carbon neutral,’ examining whether these claims are misleading under Canadian law.

2024-04-09 | Canada | Investigation | Shell Canada | North America | Competition Bureau Canada

Signals heightened enforcement in Canada regarding substantiation of carbon neutrality and other green claims.

France’s DGCCRF Issues Fines to Airlines for Misleading Carbon Offset Claims

The French consumer regulator DGCCRF has fined several airlines for making misleading claims about the environmental impact of carbon offset programs in their advertising.

2024-04-02 | France | Enforcement Case | Multiple Airlines | Europe | DGCCRF (French Ministry for the Economy)

Highlights enforcement focus on the aviation sector and the need for transparent, substantiated carbon offset claims in France.

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office Opens Probe into Green Claims in Food Sector

The Bundeskartellamt has launched an investigation into misleading environmental claims made by food producers and retailers.

2024-03-28 | Germany | Investigation | Germany | Bundeskartellamt

German food sector faces increased scrutiny over environmental marketing, with potential for enforcement actions.

Australian Federal Court Fines Vanguard for Greenwashing

The Federal Court of Australia fined Vanguard Investments AUD 40 million for misleading investors about the ESG screening applied to its 'Ethically Conscious' bond fund.

2024-03-28 | Australia | Court Ruling | Vanguard | Oceania | ASIC

Demonstrates increasing enforcement and financial penalties for inaccurate ESG-related marketing in Australia.

UK CMA Launches Formal Investigation into Unilever over Green Claims

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a formal investigation into Unilever’s environmental claims on household and personal care products, assessing whether the company has misled consumers through potentially exaggerated or unsubstantiated green claims.

2024-03-27 | UK | Investigation | Unilever | Europe | UK Competition and Markets Authority

Marks a major escalation in UK enforcement against greenwashing, signaling increased scrutiny for large multinationals and the need for robust substantiation of environmental marketing.

UK Competition and Markets Authority launches investigation into Unilever's green claims

The CMA opened an investigation into Unilever's environmental claims on household products, assessing whether they mislead consumers.

2024-03-27 | UK | Enforcement Case | Unilever | Europe | UK Competition and Markets Authority

Companies must ensure environmental marketing is clear and not misleading; UK regulators are actively enforcing greenwashing rules.

New York Attorney General Sues Water Bottling Company for Deceptive Environmental Claims

The NY AG filed a lawsuit against a bottled water company for allegedly making false claims about the recyclability and environmental impact of its packaging.

2024-03-21 | US-New York | Pending Case | Niagara Bottling | United States | New York Attorney General

Highlights state-level enforcement risk for misleading environmental packaging claims in the US.

Dutch Court Orders KLM to Stop Misleading Green Advertising

A Dutch court ruled that KLM must cease certain advertisements that misled consumers about the sustainability of its flights, finding the claims insufficiently substantiated.

2024-03-20 | Netherlands | Court Ruling | KLM | Europe | Reuters

Sets a judicial precedent in the Netherlands for holding companies accountable for vague or unsubstantiated green claims.

Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets Fines H&M for Misleading Sustainability Claims

The Dutch regulator ACM has fined H&M €400,000 for making unsubstantiated and misleading sustainability claims in its marketing of clothing products.

2024-03-14 | Netherlands | Enforcement Case | H&M | Europe | Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets

Demonstrates active enforcement and financial penalties for greenwashing in the EU, with implications for fashion and retail sectors.

EU Adopts Green Claims Directive to Combat Greenwashing

The European Parliament formally adopted the Green Claims Directive, setting heavily standardized requirements for environmental marketing claims and banning unsubstantiated generic claims like 'eco-friendly' or 'climate neutral.'

2024-03-12 | EU | New Rule | Europe | European Parliament

Companies marketing in the EU must substantiate environmental claims with robust evidence and face fines for non-compliance.

EU adopts new Green Claims Directive to combat greenwashing

The European Parliament approved the Green Claims Directive, requiring companies to substantiate environmental claims and banning generic terms like 'eco-friendly' without evidence.

2024-03-12 | EU | New Rule | N/A | Europe | European Parliament

Businesses must provide verifiable proof for environmental marketing claims or face penalties; compliance programs should be updated.

EU Parliament Approves Green Claims Directive to Combat Greenwashing

The European Parliament has adopted the Green Claims Directive, which will require companies to substantiate environmental claims with scientific evidence and undergo third-party verification before making such claims in the EU market.

2024-03-12 | EU | New Rule | N/A | Europe | European Parliament

Introduces strict new compliance requirements for all businesses making environmental claims in the EU, with significant penalties for violations.

US SEC Finalizes Climate Disclosure Rules for Public Companies

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted final rules requiring public companies to disclose material climate-related risks and certain greenhouse gas emissions.

2024-03-06 | US | New Rule | North America | US SEC

Public companies must ensure accuracy of climate-related statements and disclosures, increasing liability for greenwashing.

US SEC Finalizes Climate Disclosure Rule for Public Companies

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a final rule requiring public companies to disclose material climate-related risks and certain greenhouse gas emissions, with implications for ESG-related claims.

2024-03-06 | US-Federal | New Rule | N/A | North America | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Establishes new federal compliance obligations for climate and ESG disclosures, increasing enforcement risk for misleading statements.

US SEC finalizes climate disclosure rules for public companies

The SEC adopted new rules requiring listed companies to disclose material climate-related risks and certain greenhouse gas emissions, impacting ESG claims in investor communications.

2024-03-06 | US | New Rule | N/A | North America | US Securities and Exchange Commission

US companies must ensure environmental and ESG claims in disclosures are accurate and substantiated to comply with SEC requirements.

New York Attorney General Sues JBS Over ‘Net Zero by 2040’ Advertising

The New York Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, alleging that its ‘Net Zero by 2040’ advertising campaign constitutes greenwashing and misleads consumers about the company’s environmental impact.

2024-02-28 | US-NY | Pending Case | JBS | North America | New York Attorney General

Represents a significant U.S. state-level court action targeting high-profile environmental marketing claims in the food sector.

French Competition Authority fines L'Oréal for misleading environmental claims

L'Oréal was fined for making unsubstantiated environmental claims about its products, violating consumer protection laws.

2024-02-20 | France | Enforcement Case | L'Oréal | Europe | French Competition Authority

Companies in France must ensure environmental claims are scientifically substantiated or face regulatory penalties.

France’s DGCCRF Fines Textile Companies for Misleading Environmental Claims

The French consumer watchdog DGCCRF fined several textile companies for making unsubstantiated environmental claims such as 'eco-responsible' and 'biodegradable' without adequate proof.

2024-01-31 | France | Enforcement Case | Europe | DGCCRF

Highlights the need for robust substantiation of environmental marketing claims in France and signals increased enforcement.

Dutch court rules Shell's climate advertising was misleading

A Dutch court found Shell's advertising campaign overstated its climate efforts and misled consumers, ordering changes to its marketing.

2024-01-26 | Netherlands | Court Ruling | Shell | Europe | Reuters

Companies must ensure environmental claims in advertising are not exaggerated or misleading, or risk legal action.

Italy’s AGCM Fines Eni for Misleading ‘Green Diesel’ Claims

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) fined Eni €5 million for misleading advertising of its ‘green diesel’ product, finding the claims exaggerated the environmental benefits.

2024-01-10 | Italy | Enforcement Case | Eni | Europe | AGCM

Reinforces the need for accurate, substantiated environmental claims in product marketing in Italy.

Norwegian Consumer Authority Issues Guidance on Green Claims

The Norwegian Consumer Authority published new guidance clarifying requirements for environmental claims, emphasizing the need for specific, substantiated, and non-misleading statements.

2023-12-13 | Norway | Regulatory Guidance | Europe | Norwegian Consumer Authority

Companies marketing in Norway must ensure green claims are precise and evidence-based to avoid enforcement action.

UK Advertising Standards Authority bans misleading 'carbon neutral' claims

The ASA ruled against several companies for making unsubstantiated 'carbon neutral' and 'net zero' claims in advertising, requiring robust evidence for such statements.

2023-11-22 | UK | Enforcement Case | Multiple (including Oatly, Alpro) | Europe | UK Advertising Standards Authority

Advertisers must ensure environmental claims are substantiated with credible data or risk enforcement action.

CMA Issues Final Guidance on Environmental Claims Code

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published final guidance for businesses on making environmental claims, clarifying requirements for accuracy, substantiation, and transparency.

2023-10-12 | UK | Regulatory Guidance | Europe | UK CMA

Businesses must review and update marketing practices to comply with the Green Claims Code or risk enforcement action.

Norwegian Consumer Authority issues guidance on climate claims in marketing

The NCA published new guidance requiring companies to provide clear, specific, and substantiated climate-related claims in advertising.

2023-09-15 | Norway | Regulatory Guidance | N/A | Europe | Norwegian Consumer Authority

Norwegian businesses must ensure environmental claims are precise and backed by evidence to avoid enforcement action.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issues draft guidance on environmental claims

ACCC released draft guidance clarifying expectations for environmental and sustainability claims, emphasizing accuracy and substantiation.

2023-07-27 | Australia | Regulatory Guidance | N/A | Oceania | Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Australian businesses must review marketing practices to ensure environmental claims are clear, accurate, and substantiated.

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