The Republic of Cyprus was obliged to comply with the relevant European Directive by March 27, 2026.

The empowerment of consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and improved information is provided for in a harmonizing bill, which will be brought before the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce next Tuesday for an initial discussion.

The parliamentary committee scheduled the discussion of the relevant bill, which had been sitting in its drawers since last November, as the Republic of Cyprus was obliged to comply with the relevant European Directive by March 27, 2026, through the enactment of legislation that it must implement by September 27, 2026.

According to the introductory report of the executive branch accompanying the bill, its purpose is to harmonize with the European Union act titled "Directive (EU) 2024/825" of the European Parliament and of the Council of February 28, 2024, amending Directives 2005/29/EC and 2011/83/EU.

More analytically, it is explained that the purpose of the bill, titled "The Consumer Protection (Amending) (No. 2) Law of 2025," is to empower consumers for the green transition and to ensure that consumers can make informed and environmentally friendly choices when purchasing products.

Furthermore, the proposed bill includes provisions according to which consumers will have the right to know the designed lifespan of a product, and how and whether it can be repaired (Durability and Repairability).

Additionally, it aims to strengthen consumer protection against unreliable or false environmental claims and practices that mislead consumers regarding the durability of a product.

European Acquis

Moreover, the new regulations introduced by the European Directive seek to address misleading environmental claims and practices of premature obsolescence of products, as well as to enhance transparency regarding the environmental and circular characteristics of products, such as durability, repairability, and software updates.

Specifically, the Directive introduces new prohibited commercial practices that apply under any circumstances, strengthens the definitions concerning environmental claims and sustainability labels, and provides for additional information obligations before the conclusion of a contract.

These regulations aim to ensure clear, verifiable, and reliable information for consumers, to avoid misleading practices, and to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market.

Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the Consumer Protection Service of the same ministry, the Legal Service, the Cyprus Bar Association, the Association of Cyprus Banks, PASYXE, the Cyprus Supermarket Association, OEB, KEBE, as well as POVEK have been invited to participate in the meeting.

Additionally, representatives from the Advertising Control Agency, the Cyprus Consumers' Association, and the Pancyprian Union of Consumers and Quality of Life have been invited.

Source: Brief