Article

Meeting the Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) Requirements with Rainforest Alliance Certification

Filed Under: Certification

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Key takeaways

  • The EU Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) introduces stricter rules for how companies communicate sustainability claims and use sustainability labels.
  • Rainforest Alliance certification qualifies as a certification scheme under EmpCo, meeting the directive’s criteria (including third-party verification).
  • These new requirements take effect on September 27, 2026.

What is EmpCo?

The EU Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) introduces stricter rules for how companies communicate sustainability claims and use environmental labels.

The directive gives consumers clearer, more reliable information about the environmental and social impacts of the products they buy. For supply chain partners, brands, and retailers, it means stricter criteria for what can and can’t be said on and off packaging on products sold within the EU.

One thing that isn’t changing: Since the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program is aligned with EmpCo requirements for sustainability labels, we remain a trusted partner for companies navigating an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Rainforest Alliance certification qualifies as a certification scheme under EmpCo, meeting the directive’s criteria for third-party verification, transparency, and accountability.

When does EmpCo take effect?

The directive comes into effect on September 27, 2026.

What’s changing under EmpCo?

This directive amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive to ban a range of practices related to two crucial areas:

  • Display of sustainability labels: The directive bans the use of sustainability labels that are not based on a certification scheme or have not been established by public authorities. It also clearly defines what a certification scheme is—and what criteria must be met—such as third-party verification.
  • Making sustainability claims: The directive bans in particular generic environmental claims—meaning unspecific claims that suggest or create the impression of excellent environmental performance. Companies must provide the specification of their environmental claims in clear and prominent terms on the same medium or product packaging.

It’s important to note that the directive covers all consumer-facing commercial practices. This means it applies to:

  • Packaging
  • Websites
  • Marketing materials
  • Other communications (e.g. YouTube ads)

View our Labeling and Claims Policy, and learn more about how to talk about your work with the Rainforest Alliance.

How our program meets EmpCo’s definition of “certification scheme”

Below, we break down how the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program—covering our Sustainable Agriculture Standard and Regenerative Agriculture Standard—meets EmpCo requirements for sustainability labels and aligns with its definition of a third-party certification scheme.

While our program meets requirements at the EU level, Rainforest Alliance certification does not automatically ensure compliance with respect to any particular product sold in EU Member States. Many consumer protection rules are defined at the national level. Responsibility for meeting the directive’s requirements and national laws rests with the company.

Third-party verification 

‘certification scheme’ means a third-party verification scheme that certifies that a product, process or business complies with certain requirements, that allows for the use of a corresponding sustainability label, and the terms of which, including its requirements, are publicly available” (Article 1(r))

The Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard and Regenerative Agriculture Standard were both created in line with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. Certification is awarded only after third-party evaluation of farms and applicable supply chain actors, and the requirements for both standards are publicly accessible.

Open to all traders 

“the scheme is open under transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory terms to all traders willing and able to comply with the scheme’s requirements” (Article 1(r, i))

As an ISEAL Code Compliant member, the Rainforest Alliance is committed to improving our system using the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems. As stated by ISEAL in their comparative analysis of the EU Empowering Consumers Directive and the ISEAL Code: “Code compliant members opting for third-party verification [which is the case for the Rainforest Alliance] are well equipped to meet the Empowering Consumers Directive expectations while offering operators/ businesses a high level of credibility in claim substantiation.”

Operating in more than 60 countries, our program is open to any farms and businesses that meet the requirements of our Sustainable Agriculture Standard and/or Regenerative Agriculture Standard, including smallholder farmers. The list of Rainforest Alliance Certificate Holders is publicly available, as well as all certification documentation.

Developed alongside experts and stakeholders

“the scheme’s requirements are developed by the scheme owner in consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders” (Article 1 (r, ii))

In line with ISEAL requirements, the Rainforest Alliance has a clear procedure for standard setting. We developed our standards through a multi-stakeholder process involving farmers, NGOs, companies, and governmental institutions. Our Standards Committee oversees feedback and updates.

Clear non-compliance procedures

“the scheme sets out procedures for dealing with non-compliance with the scheme’s requirements and provides for the withdrawal or suspension of the use of the sustainability label by the trader in case of non-compliance with the scheme’s requirements” (Article 1 (r, iii))

The Rainforest Alliance has clear rules around non-compliance, including corrective action plans, potential suspension, or cancellation of certification in case of violations. These rules are set out in detail in our Certification Rules and Auditing Rules. We also have a public grievance system where complaints or concerns about our certification program can be made and then addressed according to our grievance procedure.

Objective, independent audits

“the monitoring of a trader’s compliance with the scheme’s requirements is subject to an objective procedure and is carried out by a third party whose competence and independence from both the scheme owner and the trader are based on international, Union or national standards and procedures” (Article 1 (r, iv))

During the three-year Rainforest Alliance certification cycle, third-party Certification Bodies (CBs) conduct annual and surprise audits. These CBs hold ISO17065 accreditation from the International Organization for Standardization and must comply with strict rules. We monitor and evaluate these CBs, and assurance of CBs is detailed in our Rules for Certification Bodies.

Learn more about the value of third-party certification > 

This directive sets a foundational framework for consumer protection. At the Rainforest Alliance, we’re thrilled to see this move towards greater accountability and transparency. As a robust third-party certification scheme that follows international standards and best practices, we are proud to be a trusted partner for companies committed to strong sustainability claims, living up to increasing consumer expectations and an ever-changing legal environment.

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