Access to information 9

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Green Claims

8.1 The National Consumers Council has called on the Government to replace voluntary guidelines on "green" product claims with legally binding rules. The Government's "Green Claims Code", launched in February 1998 has not succeeded in delivering improvements in the quality and integrity of environmental product claims. The voluntary code, if followed, should result in environmental labelling being clear, accurate, relevant and capable of scientific support. Choosing not to follow the slow route of introducing new legislation, the Environment Minister has said he will look to use the existing Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 (SI 1988 No. 915) to reduce the problem of dishonest claims. (DETR News Release, 7 October 1999)

European Union

Eco-Labelling

8.2 Decision 99/698/EC establishes the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to portable computers. By definition, this covers commercially available portable computers that are autonomous in the sense that they are not dependent on a continuous connection to outside supply of software, computing capacity, or mains voltage for proper functioning. Energy savings limits set out in the Annex to the Decision include that the maximum off-mode power consumption is 3 Watts, the manufacturer shall offer, free of charge, the take-back for recycling of the portable computer and the computer shall be assembled with parts that do not exceed a number of criteria, including that batteries shall not contain more than 0.0001% of mercury, 0.001% cadmium or 0.01% of lead by weight. (OJ L276, 27 October 1999)

Green Claims

8.3 The Commission's Consumer Policy and Health Protection Directorate (DGXXIV) has issued a consultation paper outlining a possible EC approach to the policing of green claims. It proposes to strengthen the existing Directive on misleading advertising by clarifying its scope to include on-pack claims, confirming the illegality of misleading advertising or claims and shifting the burden of proof onto the advertiser by introducing "essential requirements" for green claims. The main aims of the consultation exercise are to prevent misleading green claims and to promote reliable green claims. The Commission has also proposed a monitoring programme, to be established by a Council Decision and jointly performed by national competent authorities, consumer organisations and trade bodies. (European Commission, October 1999)