New law 5317/2026, passed on 10 July 2026 (GG A’ 108), harmonising Greek legislation with Directives (EU) 825/2024 and (EU) 1799/2024 introduces among others, significant changes to Law 2251/1994 on consumer protection. The new rules strengthen the regulation of environmental ("green") claims, introduce measures to combat greenwashing and establish a new right-to-repair framework. These changes require proactive adaptation of both pre-sale marketing communications and after-sales service operations. The key points are summarised below.
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“Green” claims: Strengthening protection against unfair greenwashing practices
The new regulations protect consumers from misleading claims regarding the environmental characteristics and lifespan of products and apply to any business promoting “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” messages.
New definitions
Institutional definitions are being introduced for the first time, such as “durability”, “repairability score”, “environmental claim” (and “generic environmental claim”), “sustainability label” and “certification scheme”.
Enhanced information on guarantees
For a free commercial guarantee of durability of more than two years covering the entire product, the supplier must inform the consumer by means of a harmonised label and provide information on the repairability score and the availability and cost of spare parts.
Prohibited practices
The list of misleading commercial practices is being expanded. By way of example, the following are now considered misleading:
environmental claims regarding future performance without clear, verifiable commitments and a realistic implementation plan;
advertising benefits that are irrelevant to any feature of the product or business;
the use of a sustainability label without a certification scheme or public authority;
generic environmental claim without proven excellent environmental performance;
claims based on emissions offsetting (“neutral/reduced/positive impact”);
concealing the fact that software updates negatively affect performance, or presenting them as necessary when they merely enhance functionality;
false claims of durability, presenting a product as repairable when it is not, and encouraging the premature replacement of consumables.
The new “right to repair”
The new regulations facilitate the repair of products even after the warranty has expired, with the aim of promoting sustainable consumption and the circular economy.
The draft law introduces a new repair obligation for specific categories of products (Annex IV) subject to EU repairability requirements, such as:
household washing machines and household washer-dryers;
household dishwashers;
refrigerating appliances (refrigerators/freezers);
electronic displays (e.g. monitors, televisions);
welding equipment;
vacuum cleaners;
servers and data storage products;
mobile and cordless phones, as well as tablets;
household tumble dryers;
goods incorporating light means of transport batteries.
At the consumer’s request, the manufacturer is obliged to repair these goods, unless repair is impossible, free of charge or for a reasonable price and within a reasonable time, with the possibility of a temporary replacement. Outside the EU, this obligation falls on the authorised representative, the importer or the distributor.
Spare parts and free repairs
Manufacturers offer spare parts and tools at a reasonable price and must not hinder repairs through contractual clauses or technical means. Consumers are free to choose their repairer, whilst manufacturers may not prohibit the use of genuine, second-hand, compatible or 3D-printed spare parts.
European Repair Information Form
Repairers may provide, free of charge, a standardised form setting out the identity of the item, the type and cost of the repair, the completion time and any temporary replacement. The terms remain valid for 30 days and are binding on the repairer if accepted whilst they are in force.
Extension of the period of limitation and transparency of costs
When repair is chosen as the remedy for a defective product, the buyer’s rights on movables are barred after three (3) years, notwithstanding Article 554 of the Greek Civil Code. The parties liable shall publish indicative prices for standard repairs on a freely accessible website.
Digital platform
A national section is to be created on the European repair platform, free of charge for consumers, with optional registration for repairers, alongside measures to promote repairs.
Any contractual term that restricts the above rights to the detriment of the consumer is not binding on the consumer; only terms offering greater protection are permitted.
Key takeaways
Businesses should now review their environmental claims, sustainability labels, product information and after-sales repair processes. Particular attention should be paid to substantiating green claims, updating customer-facing materials and ensuring that repair and spare-parts arrangements comply with the new requirements.
The new provisions will apply from 31 July 2026.