ASIC Information Sheet 271 (INFO 271) - How to avoid greenwashing when offering or promoting sustainability-related products

Australia has issued ISSB-aligned sustainability standards. AASB S2 (climate) is mandatory under the Corporations Act for in-scope entities; AASB S1 (broader sustainability) is voluntary.

Enforcement

AASB S1: voluntary. AASB S2: mandatory under Corporations Act 2001 for in-scope entities.

Effective date

Annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025 (phased by entity size)

Covered entities

Group 1, 2, 3 entities under AASB thresholds (large entities first; phased rollout to mid-size and smaller large entities)

Australia's mandatory national reporting framework for greenhouse gas emissions and energy production/consumption by large emitters. Underpins Australia's National Greenhouse Accounts and UNFCCC reporting.

Enforcement

Mandatory

Effective date

In effect since 2008. Annual reports due 31 October each year.

Covered entities

Australian corporations meeting facility or corporate-group emissions/energy thresholds. ~900 entities currently report.

The Act sets up a national voluntary market for biodiversity certificates, with each certificate carrying standardised information on the area, project type, threatened species and duration of the work. Participants must follow biodiversity integrity standards and notify the regulator of significant reversals.

Enforcement

Voluntary participation, mandatory rules for participants

Effective date

15 December 2023

Covered entities

Landholders, Indigenous land managers and proponents who choose to register biodiversity projects and issue Biodiversity Certificates; buyers in the voluntary market

The guide sets out eight principles for trustworthy environmental claims, including accuracy, evidence, life-cycle thinking, fair comparisons, plain language and transparency about transition plans. Breaches are pursued under the Australian Consumer Law's prohibitions on misleading and deceptive conduct.

Enforcement

Guidance (interpreting the binding Australian Consumer Law)

Effective date

12 December 2023

Covered entities

All businesses making environmental or sustainability claims about goods and services to Australian consumers

Reporting entities must submit an annual modern slavery statement covering seven mandatory criteria (structure, operations, supply chains, risks, actions, effectiveness, and consultation), approved by the principal governing body and signed by a responsible member, within six months of financial year end. Statements are published on the Modern Slavery Statements Register administered by Home Affairs (now Attorney-General's Department).

Enforcement

Mandatory

Effective date

1 January 2019

Covered entities

Entities based or operating in Australia with consolidated annual revenue of at least AUD 100 million, plus the Commonwealth of Australia and Commonwealth corporate entities meeting the threshold. Other entities may report voluntarily.

The Directive amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Consumer Rights Directive to ban generic environmental claims (such as eco-friendly or climate neutral) that are not backed by recognised excellent environmental performance, and to prohibit offset-based neutrality claims and unverified future commitments. Sustainability labels must be based on certification schemes or set by public authorities.

Enforcement

Mandatory

Effective date

Transposition deadline 27 March 2026; application from 27 September 2026

Covered entities

Traders selling goods or services to consumers in the EU internal market