Compliance guides · 22/05/2026 · 5 min
Greenwashing penalties across Europe: amounts, cases, trends
Fines up to 4% of turnover, published decisions, collective actions: what companies really risk.
The European framework
Directive 2024/825 relies on the penalty regime of Directive 2005/29/EC, strengthened in 2019: fines of at least 4% of annual turnover for cross-border infringements.
National examples
France provides up to 10% of turnover or 80% of advertising spend; the Netherlands, Italy and the UK have already sanctioned carbon-neutrality claims and unfounded labels in fashion, aviation and food.
Beyond fines
Compliance orders, product withdrawal, publication of the decision and collective redress by consumer organisations.
The hidden cost: reputation
Published decisions, media coverage, lost listings. An up-to-date compliance dossier is the best insurance.
FAQ
Can NGOs take action?+
Yes, through collective actions and reports to authorities.
Does a small business face the same amounts?+
Caps are proportional to turnover, but orders and publication apply to all.
Does good faith protect us?+
It may mitigate, but documented evidence is the only real defence.