The ECGT Directive applies to all communications and commercial practices directed at consumers (B2C practices).
In general, corporate sustainability reports and information published to comply with regulatory obligations—such as those under the CSRD—do not fall directly within the scope of the directive, as they are primarily intended for investors and other stakeholders. However, when a company uses content or data from such reports in its marketing, advertising, or communications directed at consumers, this information becomes subject to the rules of the ECGT. For example, this occurs when environmental claims are made regarding a product, a service, or the company as a whole. The assessment must be conducted on a case-by-case basis, considering whether the message could influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. This criterion, known as the transactional decision test, does not require statistical evidence that consumers have actually changed their behavior, but is based on assessments conducted by the regulatory authority.
Similarly, information contained in catalogs, brochures, price lists, and other informational materials—if directed at consumers—falls within the scope of the UCPD/ECGT.
Last modified on 02/10/2026