UK Competition and Markets Authority requires proof for sustainability claims in business names starting April 2026. "Eco," "Green," "Sustainable" trigger automatic verification requests. Unprepared businesses face name change orders.
The New Requirements
Use "Eco" in name = must provide third-party environmental certification within 30 days of CMA request.
Accepted Certifications
B Corp, ISO 14001, Carbon Trust Standard, Planet Mark. Self-declared "green" status no longer sufficient.
Enforcement Timeline
April 2026: "Eco" and "Green" enforcement begins. July 2026: "Sustainable," "Ethical," "Responsible" added. October 2026: Full enforcement.
The Grandfather Clause
Businesses named before Jan 1 2025 get 12-month grace period. Must certify by Jan 1 2027 or rebrand.
Penalty Structure
First violation: warning. Second: £5,000 fine. Third: forced name change + £50,000 fine. Fourth: director disqualification.
The Safe Alternative
Avoid explicit green claims in legal name. Use marketing taglines instead. "Acme Ltd - Carbon Neutral Operations" vs "Acme EcoSolutions Ltd."
Sector-Specific Rules
Fashion, food, transport face stricter standards. "Green Logistics" must prove zero-emission fleet, not just carbon offsetting.
Warning: EU regulations even stricter. If exporting, UK certification insufficient. Need EU Ecolabel or equivalent.