Greenwashing Guidelines: Public Comments Sought
By Rediff Money Desk, NEWDELHI Feb 20, 2024 19:02
India's CCPA seeks public feedback on draft guidelines to regulate false environmental claims (greenwashing) in advertisements. The guidelines aim to protect consumers from misleading claims.
New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sought public comments by March 21 on proposed guidelines to regulate 'greenwashing' or false pro-environment claims in advertisements of products and services.
In January, the government had finalised the draft guidelines to check greenwashing.
Public comments/suggestions/feedback are solicited till March 21, 2024, a statement by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said.
The draft proposes disclosures that would be required to be made by companies while making green claims and that no person should engage in greenwashing.
Without proper disclosures, no one will be permitted to use vague terms such as 'green', 'eco-friendly', 'eco-consciousness', 'good for the planet', 'cruelty-free', and similar assertions.
The guidelines will be applicable to all advertisements or service providers, product sellers, advertisers, or an advertising agency or endorser whose service was availed for the advertisement of such goods or services.
The draft also provides that aspirational or futuristic environmental claims can be made only when clear and actionable plans have been developed detailing how those objectives will be achieved.
The draft defines greenwashing as "any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims and use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery, placing emphasis on positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful attributes.
In January, the government had finalised the draft guidelines to check greenwashing.
Public comments/suggestions/feedback are solicited till March 21, 2024, a statement by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said.
The draft proposes disclosures that would be required to be made by companies while making green claims and that no person should engage in greenwashing.
Without proper disclosures, no one will be permitted to use vague terms such as 'green', 'eco-friendly', 'eco-consciousness', 'good for the planet', 'cruelty-free', and similar assertions.
The guidelines will be applicable to all advertisements or service providers, product sellers, advertisers, or an advertising agency or endorser whose service was availed for the advertisement of such goods or services.
The draft also provides that aspirational or futuristic environmental claims can be made only when clear and actionable plans have been developed detailing how those objectives will be achieved.
The draft defines greenwashing as "any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims and use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery, placing emphasis on positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful attributes.
DISCLAIMER - This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.
You May Like To Read
TODAY'S MOST TRADED COMPANIES
- Company Name
- Price
- Volume
- Srestha Finvest
- 0.57 ( -9.52)
- 60265410
- Vodafone Idea L
- 8.27 (+ 0.73)
- 44071594
- YES Bank Ltd.
- 17.67 ( -0.56)
- 16081247
- G G Engineering
- 1.06 ( -4.50)
- 15019273
- Remedium Lifecare
- 3.97 (+ 4.75)
- 11827509
MORE NEWS

Magellanic Cloud Targets Rs 600 Crore Revenue...
Magellanic Cloud, a Hyderabad-based IT services provider, aims to achieve Rs 600 crore...
Choice Broking Acquires Arete Capital, AUM Hits...
Choice Broking has acquired wealth management firm Arete Capital Services, expanding...

India's Exports to US Surge 39% in January
India's exports to the US rose by 39% in January 2024 to USD 8.44 billion, driven by...