Green Claims Disclaimer
AqNova Marketplace Policies & Disclosures
AQNOVA MARKETPLACE
Global Legal Footer Framework
Comprehensive Compliance & Platform Governance Reference
(MASTER)
AqNova's Complete Global Disclaimer for All Sustainability & Environmental Claims — FTC Green Guides | EU Green Claims Directive | UK CMA Green Claims Code | ACCC | Global Equivalents
Effective Date: April 7, 2026 | Version 1.0 | Arivon Holding Corporation
| Regulatory Frameworks — Green Claims Disclaimer United States: FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. Part 260) — substantiation & disclosure standards for environmental claims FTC Act Section 5 — unfair or deceptive acts California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) California Unfair Competition Law (UCL, Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200) California False Advertising Law (FAL, Bus. & Prof. Code § 17500) California AB 1305 (Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act, 2024) European Union: EU Green Claims Directive (proposed, 2024/0060(COD)) EU Omnibus Directive (2019/2161/EU) — misleading claims EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC — UCPD) EU Digital Services Act (2022/2065/EU) Art. 17 EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) — information duties United Kingdom: CMA Green Claims Code (2021) UK Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) CAP Code UK Online Safety Act 2023 — misleading commercial practices Canada: Competition Act — misleading advertising (ss. 74.01, 74.011) Competition Bureau — Guidance on Environmental Claims (2022) CRTC broadcasting and advertising standards Australia: Australian Consumer Law (ACL) ss. 18, 29 ACCC Making Environmental Claims Guide (November 2023) Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code Brazil: CDC Art. 37 — misleading advertising CONAR Code of Ethics — environmental advertising Nigeria: FCCPA 2019 — false/misleading claims (s. 124) SON standards on environmental labeling South Africa: Consumer Protection Act 2008 (s. 29) ASA South Africa Code of Advertising Practice India: Consumer Protection Act 2019 (s. 2(28)) — misleading ads ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) Code BIS environmental labeling standards Singapore: Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) Singapore Green Plan 2030 — eco-labeling standards Japan: Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) guidelines on environmental claims South Korea: Fair Labelling and Advertising Act Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) China: Law on Advertising (2021 revision) Art. 28 GB/T standards on environmental labeling SAMR — misleading environmental claim enforcement Germany: Unfair Commercial Practices Act (UWG) — greenwashing litigation Wettbewerbszentrale enforcement actions on environmental claims France: Loi Climat et Résilience (2021) Art. 12 — carbon claim rules ARPP (Autorité de Régulation Professionnelle de la Publicité) Netherlands: ACM (Autoriteit Consument en Markt) — greenwashing enforcement ACM guidelines on sustainable claims (2021) Colombia / Chile / Argentina / Mexico: national consumer protection and advertising standards laws applicable to environmental claims |
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| PRIMARY GREEN CLAIMS DISCLAIMER — PLATFORM-LEVEL STATEMENT The sustainability and environmental claims displayed in product listings on the AqNova Marketplace are based on information provided by Vendors (third-party sellers). AqNova conducts credentialing reviews and verification of sustainability certifications through its Verified Certification Program (Section 5.5.6) but cannot guarantee the ongoing accuracy, currency, or completeness of all sustainability claims made in third-party Vendor listings. WHAT AQNOVA VERIFIES: AqNova's 'VERIFIED CERTIFICATION' badge indicates that AqNova has cross-referenced the displayed certification against the certifying body's registry at the time of listing activation and periodically thereafter. WHAT AQNOVA DOES NOT GUARANTEE: AqNova does not independently verify every sustainability representation made by Vendors in their listing descriptions. Vendors are solely responsible for the accuracy of their sustainability claims. HOW TO VERIFY: Buyers are encouraged to review certification documentation where available (accessible via the certification badge on the listing). HOW TO REPORT: If you believe a sustainability claim is misleading or inaccurate, please use AqNova's reporting tool: Report This Listing ▶ Misleading Information ▶ Sustainability/Environmental Claim. Or email: compliance@aqnova.co [Subject: Greenwashing Report — [URL]] |
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This Green Claims Disclaimer (Section 6.4) provides the complete regulatory context, scope, and consumer guidance for AqNova's platform-level disclaimer on sustainability and environmental claims. It is the legal and compliance foundation for the abbreviated disclaimer that appears on AqNova's website footer, in confirmation emails, and in the relevant Platform help documentation. This comprehensive version provides the full framework for regulators, legal counsel, compliance teams, and informed Buyers who wish to understand the basis and limitations of AqNova's sustainability claim verification program.
| Section 6.4 — Structure 6.4.1 Scope of This Disclaimer — What It Covers 6.4.2 Verification Tiers — What AqNova Verifies and How 6.4.3 Limitations of Platform Verification — Honest Disclosure 6.4.4 Vendor Responsibility for Claims — Legal Attribution 6.4.5 Consumer Rights & Remedies When Claims Are Misleading 6.4.6 AqNova's Role — Platform, Not Guarantor 6.4.7 Green Claims Disclaimer — Jurisdiction-Specific Provisions 6.4.8 Carbon & Climate Claim Specific Disclaimer 6.4.9 Certification Mark Disclaimer 6.4.10 'Natural', 'Clean' & Vague Claim Disclaimer 6.4.11 Social Impact & Ethical Claim Disclaimer 6.4.12 How to Report a Suspected Misleading Claim 6.4.13 AqNova's Ongoing Improvement Commitments 6.4.14 Contact Information — Green Claims Disclaimer |
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6.4.1 Scope of This Disclaimer — What It Covers
This Green Claims Disclaimer applies to all sustainability, environmental, and social impact claims that appear in product listings on the AqNova Marketplace, including but not limited to:
Organic certification claims: claims that a product or its ingredients are certified organic under USDA NOP, EU Organic Regulation, Soil Association, or equivalent certification bodies.
Sustainability certification claims: claims that a product holds any third-party sustainability certification — including Fairtrade International, Fair Trade USA, FSC, PEFC, B Corp, Energy Star, EU Ecolabel, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, MSC, ASC, RSPO, Rainforest Alliance, and all other certification marks listed in the AqNova Verified Certification Program (Section 5.5.6).
Environmental attribute claims: claims about specific environmental properties of a product, including: recycled content; recyclability; biodegradability; compostability; carbon footprint; carbon neutrality; net zero; renewable energy use; water use; packaging composition.
Social impact claims: claims about ethical sourcing, fair trade practices (without formal certification), living wage, workforce diversity, community investment, and similar social impact statements made by Vendors.
General sustainability descriptors: broader claim language used in listing titles, descriptions, bullets, and images that conveys a sustainability benefit or environmentally responsible identity.
This Disclaimer does not apply to: AqNova's own sustainability commitments set out in Sections 6.3 (Environmental & Social Impact Commitments), which are AqNova's own declarations and are separately warranted and reported; statements of fact about products (e.g., product dimensions, composition, ingredients) that do not make environmental or social claims; or price, availability, and delivery information.
6.4.2 Verification Tiers — What AqNova Verifies and How
AqNova's sustainability claim verification operates through the Three-Tier Classification System described in Section 6.3 of the Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy. The following summarizes what AqNova verifies at each tier and the limitations of that verification:
| Tier | What AqNova Verifies & Display Treatment |
|---|---|
| TIER 1 — VERIFIED CERTIFICATION (green badge) | AqNova verifies that the Vendor holds a current, valid certification from a recognized independent certifying body. Verification method: cross-reference of the certificate against the certifying body's publicly accessible registry (e.g., USDA Organic Integrity Database; FLOCERT registry for Fairtrade; FSC certificate search; global-standard.org for GOTS; bcorporation.net for B Corp; etc.) at the time of listing activation and on a periodic rolling basis (certificate expiry monitored at 90/60/30 days). Display: 'VERIFIED CERTIFICATION' badge. AqNova does NOT independently test or audit the product; the verification is of the certificate's existence and currency, not of the physical product's conformity to the certification standard. |
| TIER 2 — VENDOR DECLARED (grey label) | AqNova has reviewed documentation submitted by the Vendor supporting a specific sustainability claim that is not backed by a recognized third-party certification (e.g., percentage recycled content based on supplier declaration; carbon-neutral shipping based on offset certificate; renewable energy manufacturing based on PPA documentation). Display: 'VENDOR DECLARED' label. AqNova's review assesses the plausibility and internal consistency of the supporting documentation but does not independently verify the underlying facts. The Vendor is solely responsible for the accuracy of Tier 2 claims. |
| TIER 3 — NO BADGE (aspirational or directional claims) | Sustainability language in listings that does not meet the Tier 1 or Tier 2 standards (e.g., 'eco-friendly packaging'; 'crafted with sustainability in mind'). AqNova does not pre-verify Tier 3 claims. AqNova's automated monitoring system scans active listings for Tier 3 language that may be misleading and flags potential issues for review. Tier 3 claims are Vendor declarations only; they have received no review by AqNova. Display: no badge. |
6.4.3 Limitations of Platform Verification — Honest Disclosure
AqNova operates as a global marketplace hosting hundreds of thousands of product listings from thousands of Vendors worldwide. The following are honest disclosures about the limitations of AqNova's sustainability claim verification program — limitations that Buyers and regulators are entitled to know:
| AqNova's Honest Disclosure — Verification Limitations 1. PRE-LISTING VERIFICATION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE: AqNova's Tier 1 verification cross-references certificates against certifying body registries but does not physically audit or test products. A certificate that is genuine at the time of verification may not guarantee that every unit of the product sold under that listing meets the certification criteria. 2. CERTIFICATE CHANGES BETWEEN REVIEW CYCLES: AqNova monitors certificate expiry but may not detect mid-cycle changes such as: certificate scope modifications; partial suspension; certification withdrawal for specific product lines. AqNova's monitoring updates operate on defined schedules — not in real time for all certifications. 3. TIER 2 CLAIMS ARE VENDOR-DECLARED: AqNova's review of Tier 2 documentation assesses plausibility but does not constitute independent verification. A supplier declaration confirming recycled content, for example, is not equivalent to a third-party audit of that content. Tier 2 claims carry inherently greater uncertainty than Tier 1 verified certifications. 4. TIER 3 CLAIMS ARE UNREVIEWED AT LISTING: Aspirational or directional sustainability language in listings (not bearing any AqNova badge) has not been reviewed by AqNova before the listing went live. These claims rely entirely on Vendor honesty and should be evaluated by Buyers with appropriate skepticism absent supporting certification. 5. VENDOR LISTINGS MAY CHANGE AFTER VERIFICATION: AqNova verifies the listing content at the time of activation. Vendors may subsequently amend listing content — including sustainability claims. AqNova's post-listing monitoring system aims to detect unauthorized claim changes but cannot guarantee real-time detection of all amendments. 6. GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN COMPLEXITY: Sustainability certifications apply to defined scope boundaries. A product certified as organic for its agricultural ingredients may incorporate non-organic processing aids, packaging, or manufacturing processes. AqNova discloses certificate scope information where available, but the full supply chain story of any product is more complex than any single certification label. 7. THIRD-PARTY CERTIFYING BODIES HAVE THEIR OWN LIMITATIONS: AqNova relies on third-party certifying bodies to verify the standards they certify. Certifying bodies vary in rigor, resources, and audit frequency. Even a genuine certification does not eliminate all risk of non-conformance in the supply chain at any given moment. |
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6.4.4 Vendor Responsibility for Claims — Legal Attribution
Under applicable law in all jurisdictions where AqNova operates, and as a condition of the Vendor Agreement (Section 2.2), Vendors are solely responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and legality of all sustainability and environmental claims made in their product listings. AqNova's role as a marketplace platform does not transfer that responsibility to AqNova, except to the extent explicitly described in Section 6.4.6.
A. Vendor Legal Obligations for Sustainability Claims
Accuracy: all sustainability claims must be factually accurate and capable of substantiation by the Vendor at the time the claim is made.
Compliance with applicable law: all sustainability claims must comply with applicable advertising law and consumer protection standards in every jurisdiction where the product is marketed — including the FTC Green Guides (US), EU Green Claims Directive (EU), CMA Green Claims Code (UK), ACCC guidelines (Australia), Competition Bureau guidance (Canada), and equivalent national frameworks.
Certification currency: where a sustainability claim is based on a third-party certification, the Vendor is responsible for maintaining that certification in a current and valid state and for updating or removing the claim from their AqNova listing if the certification lapses or its scope changes.
Change notifications: Vendors must notify AqNova within 5 Business Days if a certification is withdrawn, suspended, or modified in scope in a manner that affects the accuracy of claims in their AqNova listings.
B. Vendor Indemnification
The Vendor Agreement (Section 2.2.5.H) requires Vendors to indemnify Arivon Holding Corporation, its officers, directors, employees, and agents against all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from: any false, misleading, or inaccurate sustainability claim made by the Vendor in their AqNova listing; any greenwashing enforcement action brought by a regulatory authority against AqNova arising from Vendor claims; and any consumer claim brought against AqNova based on Vendor sustainability misrepresentations.
C. Platform Liability Limitation
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, AqNova's liability to Buyers in respect of sustainability claims made by Vendors in product listings is limited to: the operation and enforcement of the Buyer Protection Policy (Section 5.2) in cases where a Vendor's false sustainability claim constitutes a material misdescription of the product; the Sustainability Credential Guarantee (Section 5.2.13) for Tier 1 certified products where the certification is subsequently found to be fraudulent, lapsed, or incorrectly applied; and the remedies provided under the applicable mandatory consumer protection law of the Buyer's jurisdiction, which cannot be excluded by this disclaimer.
6.4.5 Consumer Rights & Remedies When Claims Are Misleading
Regardless of this Green Claims Disclaimer and AqNova's role as a platform, Buyers retain full statutory consumer rights under applicable law when they purchase products based on false or misleading sustainability claims. The following summarizes the key consumer remedies available by jurisdiction:
| Jurisdiction | Consumer Rights & Remedies for Misleading Sustainability Claims |
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| European Union | EU Omnibus Directive (2019/2161/EU): misleading commercial practices — including false sustainability claims — entitle consumers to rescission of the contract, price reduction, or damages. EU Consumer Rights Directive: consumers have rights to information about the seller's identity and the product's characteristics. National consumer authorities (CPC Regulation — EU 2017/2394) can take collective enforcement action against misleading green claims. |
| United Kingdom | UK Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008: misleading actions or omissions in commercial practices entitle consumers to unwind a transaction within 90 days, obtain a discount, or seek damages. CMA has power to seek injunctions and fines for systematic greenwashing. ASA can require removal of misleading advertisements. Trading Standards can take criminal enforcement in cases of fraudulent misrepresentation. |
| United States | FTC Act Section 5 / Section 13(b): FTC can seek injunctive relief and consumer redress for greenwashing violations. California CLRA (Civil Code § 1750): private right of action for consumers for misleading representations about goods. California UCL (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200): private right of action for unfair, unlawful, or deceptive business practices. FTC Green Guides: marketers bear the burden of substantiation for environmental claims. |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law (ACL) s. 18 (misleading or deceptive conduct) and s. 29 (false representations): consumers may seek damages, rescission, and injunctive relief. ACCC has broad enforcement powers including fines, corrective advertising orders, and injunctions. ACCC has identified greenwashing as an enforcement priority from 2023 onwards. |
| Canada | Competition Act (misleading advertising provisions, ss. 74.01, 74.011): Competition Bureau can take civil action for misleading environmental claims; fines available. Consumers may have rights to restitution. Individual consumers may seek remedies through applicable provincial consumer protection legislation. |
| Brazil | CDC Art. 6(III): right to information; Art. 37: prohibition on misleading advertising; Art. 18: right to refund for non-conforming products. Consumers may seek damages through PROCON, consumidor.gov.br, or Juizados Especiais (small claims courts). |
| South Africa | Consumer Protection Act 2008 (s. 29): prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations. Consumers may complain to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or seek relief from the Consumer Tribunal. The Act provides a private right of action for affected consumers. |
| India | Consumer Protection Act 2019 (s. 2(28) — misleading advertisements; s. 21 — consumer protection councils). District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission provides forum for consumer claims. ASCI can adjudicate advertising complaints. CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) can issue recall orders and impose penalties for misleading advertisements. |
6.4.6 AqNova's Role — Platform, Not Guarantor
The fundamental legal and practical reality of AqNova's position is that it is a marketplace operator that enables transactions between Buyers and Vendors — it is not the manufacturer, importer, or seller of most products on the Platform. As a marketplace operator, AqNova has both obligations and limitations with respect to Vendor sustainability claims:
A. What AqNova Is Responsible For
Operating and maintaining the Verified Certification program, cross-referencing Tier 1 certification claims against certifying body databases at listing activation and on a rolling basis.
Maintaining and enforcing the Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy (Section 6.1), including removal of listings with confirmed prohibited sustainability claims.
Providing Buyers with tools to verify certification status and report suspected misleading claims.
Investigating reports of greenwashing and taking enforcement action against Vendors who make false or misleading sustainability claims.
Operating the Sustainability Credential Guarantee (Section 5.2.13) to protect Buyers who purchase products relying on Tier 1 verified certifications that are subsequently found to be fraudulent.
Cooperating with regulatory authority investigations into greenwashing on the Platform.
Disclosing, in the annual Transparency Report, the volume of sustainability claim violations investigated and actioned.
B. What AqNova Is Not Responsible For
The accuracy of Tier 2 or Tier 3 sustainability claims made by Vendors in their listings — these are Vendor declarations for which Vendors bear sole legal responsibility.
Guaranteeing that Tier 1 verified certifications continue to apply to the specific products purchased after the certificate was verified — changes can occur between verification cycles.
Independently testing or auditing products for compliance with certified standards — this is the function of the certifying body, not AqNova.
The conduct of certifying bodies whose certificates AqNova recognizes — AqNova recognizes and cross-references certifications issued by these bodies but is not responsible for their certification decisions, audit quality, or scope definitions.
C. Safe Harbor Considerations
In jurisdictions that provide safe harbor protections for marketplace operators in respect of third-party content — including the EU e-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) Article 14, the UK Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002, and the US Communications Decency Act Section 230 (to the extent applicable to commercial transactions) — AqNova asserts its rights under applicable safe harbor provisions to the extent they are available and consistent with AqNova's proactive sustainability verification program. AqNova notes that its active role in sustainability claim verification (Tier 1 program) may affect the application of safe harbor provisions in some jurisdictions, and AqNova's legal team monitors this interaction.
6.4.7 Green Claims Disclaimer — Jurisdiction-Specific Provisions
The following jurisdiction-specific provisions supplement the general Green Claims Disclaimer and are provided in compliance with applicable advertising standards, consumer protection laws, and regulatory guidance in each market:
6.4.7.A United States — FTC Green Guides Compliance Statement
| US Green Claims Compliance Disclosure — FTC Green Guides This disclosure is provided in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (16 C.F.R. Part 260). SUBSTANTIATION: AqNova requires Vendors to have competent and reliable scientific evidence to support all environmental benefit claims in their product listings. AqNova's Tier 1 Verified Certification program cross-references certificates against certifying body registries. Tier 2 'Vendor Declared' claims have been reviewed for plausibility. Tier 3 claims have not been pre-verified by AqNova. SPECIFICITY: The FTC Green Guides require that environmental claims be specific and not imply general environmental superiority without substantiation. AqNova's Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy (Section 6.1) prohibits vague general claims ('eco-friendly,' 'green,' 'sustainable') without substantiation. CARBON OFFSET CLAIMS: Listings claiming carbon neutrality, carbon offsets, or greenhouse gas reductions must disclose the offset standard used, the offset registry, and the registry serial number consistent with FTC guidance. CALIFORNIA AB 1305: Vendors making carbon neutral, carbon negative, net zero, or climate-related claims for products sold in California must provide a link to their disclosures required under California's Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act (AB 1305, effective January 1, 2024). REPORTING: Consumers who believe a sustainability claim on AqNova violates the FTC Green Guides may report to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-FTC-HELP). |
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6.4.7.B European Union — EU Green Claims Directive Compliance Statement
| EU Green Claims Compliance Disclosure This disclosure is provided in compliance with applicable EU consumer protection law, including the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) and the EU Omnibus Directive (2019/2161/EU), and in anticipation of the EU Green Claims Directive (proposed, 2024/0060(COD)). PRE-VERIFICATION: AqNova proactively applies the pre-verification standard expected under the EU Green Claims Directive for Tier 1 certified sustainability claims. Tier 2 and Tier 3 claims have not been independently pre-verified. SUSTAINABILITY LABEL TRANSPARENCY: AqNova's 'VERIFIED CERTIFICATION' badge is based on independent third-party certification by a recognized body, consistent with the EU Green Claims Directive's requirements for sustainability labels to be based on independently verified, transparent certification schemes. CONSUMER REMEDIES: EU consumers who purchase products based on false or misleading sustainability claims have rights under the EU Omnibus Directive, including the right to price reduction, rescission, or damages. The EU Online Dispute Resolution platform (ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr) is available. REPORTING: EU consumers may report suspected greenwashing to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to the national consumer authority in their Member State (see Section 5.1.13 for authority directory). DSA ART. 17: AqNova provides a statement of reasons for any content decision taken in response to a greenwashing report, consistent with DSA Article 17. |
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6.4.7.C United Kingdom — CMA Green Claims Code Compliance Statement
| UK Green Claims Code Compliance Disclosure This disclosure is provided in compliance with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Green Claims Code (September 2021). AqNova applies the CMA's six Green Claims Code principles as the baseline standard for sustainability claims in product listings targeting UK consumers: 1. Claims must be truthful and accurate. 2. Claims must be clear and unambiguous. 3. Claims must not omit or hide important relevant information. 4. Comparisons must be fair and meaningful. 5. Claims must consider the full lifecycle of the product. 6. Claims must be substantiated. AqNova's Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy (Section 6.1) operationalises these six principles for all Vendors listing on AqNova. ASA CAP CODE: Sustainability claims in product listings are also subject to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code). AqNova's Platform policies are designed to be consistent with CAP Code requirements for environmental claims. CONSUMER REMEDIES: UK consumers have rights under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for misleading commercial practices. Complaints may be made to Citizens Advice, Trading Standards, or the CMA. REPORTING: UK consumers may report suspected greenwashing to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co), the ASA (asa.org.uk), or Trading Standards. |
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6.4.7.D Australia — ACCC Environmental Claims Guidance Compliance Statement
| Australia ACCC Environmental Claims Compliance Disclosure This disclosure is provided in compliance with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2) and the ACCC's Making Environmental Claims: A Guide for Business (November 2023). AqNova's sustainability claim standards are calibrated against the ACCC's guidance, which requires that environmental claims be: — ACCURATE AND RELIABLE: claims must be truthful and based on scientific evidence or independent expert opinion. — SPECIFIC: vague claims ('eco-friendly,' 'green') are prohibited without specific supporting detail. — TRANSPARENT: the basis of claims, including methodology and any certification basis, must be accessible to consumers. — NOT MISLEADING: claims must not omit material information that would change a consumer's assessment of the product's environmental impact. ACCC ENFORCEMENT: The ACCC has identified greenwashing as an enforcement priority. AqNova cooperates with ACCC investigations and has removed listings identified by the ACCC as greenwashing. CONSUMER REMEDIES: Australian consumers have rights under ACL ss. 18 and 29 for misleading conduct and false representations. REPORTING: Australian consumers may report suspected greenwashing to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to the ACCC (accc.gov.au/consumers/report-a-problem or 1300 302 502). |
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6.4.7.E Canada — Competition Bureau Guidance Compliance Statement
For Canadian consumers: AqNova's sustainability claim standards comply with the Competition Bureau's Guidance on Environmental Claims (2022). The Competition Bureau requires that environmental claims be accurate, verifiable, relevant, and complete. Claims that are misleading may violate the Competition Act's misleading advertising provisions (ss. 74.01, 74.011). Canadian consumers who believe a sustainability claim on AqNova is misleading may report to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to the Competition Bureau (competitionbureau.gc.ca/complaint or 1-800-348-5358).
6.4.7.F Brazil — CONAR & CDC Compliance Statement
For Brazilian consumers: AqNova's sustainability claim standards comply with the Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária (CONAR) Code of Ethics on environmental advertising and the Consumer Defense Code (CDC) Art. 37 prohibition on misleading advertising. Vendors making sustainability claims for products sold in Brazil must ensure their claims comply with applicable Brazilian advertising standards. Consumers may report suspected misleading claims to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co), CONAR (conar.org.br), or PROCON (consumidor.gov.br).
6.4.7.G India — ASCI & Consumer Protection Compliance Statement
For Indian consumers: AqNova's sustainability claim standards comply with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Code, including the ASCI Guidelines on Advertising for Sustainable and Environmental Claims (2021). The Consumer Protection Act 2019 (s. 2(28)) prohibits misleading advertisements. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has powers to penalise misleading environmental advertisements. Consumers may report suspected greenwashing to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to the CCPA (consumerhelpline.gov.in or 1800-11-4000).
6.4.7.H China — CAA & SAMR Compliance Statement
For Chinese consumers: AqNova's sustainability claim standards comply with the Law on Advertising (2021 revision) Art. 28, which prohibits false or misleading advertising claims including environmental claims. SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) has enforcement authority over environmental misrepresentation. Chinese consumers may report suspected greenwashing to AqNova (compliance@aqnova.co) and to SAMR (12315.cn) or the local Market Supervision Bureau.
6.4.8 Carbon & Climate Claim Specific Disclaimer
Carbon neutrality, net zero, and other climate-related claims are subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny globally, reflecting their importance to consumer decision-making and the complexity of verifying such claims. AqNova provides the following specific disclaimer for carbon and climate claims appearing in product listings:
| Carbon & Climate Claims — Important Consumer Information Carbon neutral, net zero, and carbon negative claims in product listings on AqNova are based on information provided by Vendors. AqNova requires that: (a) Carbon neutral product claims disclose: the product carbon footprint measurement methodology; the scope of the footprint calculation; the offset standard and registry used; and the registry serial number. (b) Net zero claims are validated by a recognized third party (SBTi or equivalent) OR clearly identify the basis and timeline of the claim. (c) Carbon offset claims use high-quality, verified offsets from recognized registries (Gold Standard; Verra/VCS; Plan Vivo; ACR; CAR). WHAT AQNOVA DOES NOT GUARANTEE: AqNova does not independently calculate, measure, or verify individual product carbon footprints. The carbon footprint figures in listings are calculated by Vendors or their appointed LCA practitioners and are Vendor declarations. OFFSET QUALITY: AqNova requires disclosure of offset registry serial numbers to enable Buyers to independently verify offset quality. Buyers are encouraged to verify offset retirement in the relevant registry (goldstandard.org; registry.verra.org; etc.) if this matters to their purchasing decision. CALIFORNIA AB 1305: Vendors claiming carbon neutrality, net zero, or similar for products sold in California are required to provide disclosures pursuant to California's Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act (AB 1305). Links to AB 1305 disclosures are accessible from the relevant listing's sustainability detail page. FUTURE COMMITMENTS vs. CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS: AqNova's policy prohibits presenting future emission reduction commitments as current carbon neutrality achievements. Labels stating 'Carbon Neutral by [Future Year]' are required to clearly state they are future targets. |
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6.4.9 Certification Mark Disclaimer
Certification marks (USDA Organic, Fairtrade International, FSC, B Corp, Leaping Bunny, Vegan Society, Energy Star, EU Ecolabel, Rainforest Alliance, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, MSC, RSPO, and all other marks) displayed on product listings on AqNova are trademarks or certification marks of their respective certifying bodies. Their display in AqNova product listings is authorized by the Vendors who hold valid certifications from those bodies.
A. Certification Mark Verification
Tier 1 verification: where the 'VERIFIED CERTIFICATION' badge appears alongside a certification mark, AqNova has cross-referenced the certificate against the certifying body's registry and confirmed it is current and in-scope for the listed product at the time of verification.
Post-verification changes: AqNova monitors certificate expiry and withdrawal but cannot guarantee real-time detection of certification suspension or modification between monitoring cycles.
Certifying body independence: AqNova is independent of all certifying bodies whose certifications it recognizes. AqNova's verification of a certificate's existence and currency does not constitute AqNova's endorsement of the certifying body's standards, audit methodology, or decisions.
B. Independent Verification by Buyers
Buyers who wish to independently verify the authenticity of a certification displayed in a product listing may do so through the following resources:
USDA Organic: ams.usda.gov/organic-integrity — US National Organic Program database.
Fairtrade International: flocert.net/certification-search — FLOCERT public registry.
FSC: info.fsc.org — FSC certificate database.
B Corp: bcorporation.net/find-a-b-corp — B Lab company directory.
GOTS: global-standard.org/certified-entities — GOTS public database.
OEKO-TEX: oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/certification-search — OEKO-TEX registry.
Rainforest Alliance: rainforest-alliance.org/resource-item/license-search — RA license database.
MSC: msc.org/track-a-fishery — MSC certified seafood database.
EU Ecolabel: ecolabel.eu/check-products-with-eu-ecolabel.
Nordic Swan: nordic-ecolabel.org/check-for-products-with-nordic-ecolabel.
Energy Star: energystar.gov/productfinder.
6.4.10 'Natural', 'Clean' & Vague Claim Disclaimer
The following disclaimer applies specifically to sustainability descriptors and claims that use terms without established regulatory definitions or without a recognized independent certification:
| 'Natural', 'Clean', 'Eco-Friendly' & Similar Claims — Consumer Information Terms such as 'natural', 'clean', 'eco-friendly', 'sustainable', 'green', 'non-toxic', 'chemical-free', 'planet-conscious', and similar descriptors do NOT have standardized, legally defined meanings in most jurisdictions. WHEN THESE TERMS APPEAR WITHOUT AN AQNOVA BADGE: These are Tier 3 claims — aspirational or directional language provided by the Vendor. They have NOT been independently verified by AqNova. They reflect the Vendor's own characterization of their product. WHEN THESE TERMS APPEAR ALONGSIDE A 'VENDOR DECLARED' LABEL: AqNova has reviewed supporting documentation provided by the Vendor (e.g., ingredient list confirming all-natural ingredients; test report confirming absence of specific substances). The review is a plausibility check — not independent verification. WHAT BUYERS SHOULD DO: — Check the ingredient list or product composition in the listing. — Look for the AqNova 'VERIFIED CERTIFICATION' badge for claims backed by recognized third-party certifications. — Use the certification databases listed in Section 6.4.9 to independently verify any specific certification claimed. — Contact the Vendor directly through Platform messaging for documentation. — Report vague or misleading claims through AqNova's reporting tool. SPECIFIC NOTE ON 'CHEMICAL-FREE': 'Chemical-free' is scientifically inaccurate — all matter is composed of chemicals. AqNova's Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy prohibits this claim in the unqualified form. If you see 'chemical-free' in a listing, please report it as this may indicate a claim that does not meet AqNova's standards. |
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6.4.12 How to Report a Suspected Misleading Claim
AqNova takes greenwashing seriously and actively investigates reports of misleading sustainability claims. Buyers, rights holders, NGOs, and the general public are encouraged to report suspected greenwashing through the following channels:
| Report a Suspected Misleading Sustainability Claim ON-PLATFORM (Fastest): 1. Navigate to the product listing you believe contains a misleading claim. 2. Click 'Report This Listing' (flag icon below the product title). 3. Select: Misleading Information ▶ Sustainability/Environmental Claim. 4. Describe the specific claim you believe is misleading and why. 5. Attach any supporting evidence (screenshot; certification database result; competing product comparison; regulatory guidance reference). No AqNova account required. Responses within 5 Business Days (standard); 24 hours for urgent safety-related sustainability claims. BY EMAIL: compliance@aqnova.co Subject: Greenwashing Report — [Listing URL] Include: specific claim(s) in question; basis for concern; any evidence. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU REPORT: — AqNova's compliance team reviews the report. — If the claim cannot be substantiated, AqNova will require the Vendor to remove or modify the claim. — Confirmed greenwashing results in: listing suspension or removal; Vendor account enforcement action; where applicable, activation of the AqNova Sustainability Credential Guarantee for affected Buyers. — You will receive a notification of the outcome where contact details have been provided. EXTERNAL REPORTING OPTIONS (in parallel with AqNova reporting): United States: FTC Complaint: ftc.gov/complaint European Union: National consumer authority in your Member State United Kingdom: CMA (gov.uk/cma) | ASA (asa.org.uk) | Trading Standards Australia: ACCC (accc.gov.au/consumers/report-a-problem) Canada: Competition Bureau (competitionbureau.gc.ca) Brazil: CONAR (conar.org.br) | PROCON (consumidor.gov.br) India: ASCI (ascionline.in) | CCPA (consumerhelpline.gov.in) South Korea: KFTC (ftc.go.kr) China: SAMR (12315.cn) South Africa: ASA (asasa.org.za) | NCC (thencc.gov.za) |
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6.4.13 AqNova's Ongoing Improvement Commitments
This Green Claims Disclaimer is not a static document. AqNova is committed to continuously improving its sustainability claim verification program in response to regulatory developments, technological advances, and feedback from Buyers, Vendors, regulators, and civil society. The following improvements are planned or in progress:
Expanded certification database coverage: AqNova is developing API integrations with additional certifying body registries to expand the breadth and frequency of Tier 1 certificate verification — moving progressively toward near-real-time certificate status monitoring for the largest certification programs.
AI-assisted claim monitoring: AqNova's content moderation team is developing enhanced AI-assisted tools to identify potentially misleading Tier 3 claims in active listings — particularly vague carbon, biodegradability, and recyclability language that does not meet FTC Green Guides or EU Green Claims Directive substantiation standards.
Consumer transparency tool: AqNova is developing a consumer-facing 'Sustainability Claim Detail' page accessible from each certified product listing, providing: the certifying body's name and description; the certificate number; the certificate scope; the certificate expiry date; and a direct link to the certifying body's public certificate registry for independent verification.
Sustainability score development: AqNova is developing a standardized, multi-factor sustainability score for products that aggregates: certification tier; packaging sustainability; carbon footprint estimate where available; and supply chain transparency — into a single consumer-facing metric. The methodology will be publicly disclosed and independently reviewed before launch.
Regular policy review: this Green Claims Disclaimer, the Sustainability Standards & Claims Policy (Section 6.1), and all related sustainability governance documents are reviewed annually and updated in response to new regulatory frameworks (including the EU Green Claims Directive upon finalization and implementation; any FTC Green Guides revision; Australian ACCC updates; and equivalent national developments).
6.4.14 Contact Information — Green Claims Disclaimer
| AqNova — Green Claims Disclaimer Contacts REPORT SUSPECTED GREENWASHING (Buyers / Public): On-Platform: Report This Listing ▶ Misleading Information ▶ Sustainability Email: compliance@aqnova.co [Subject: Greenwashing — [Listing URL]] SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS COMPLIANCE (Vendors): Sustainability Claims Advisory: compliance@aqnova.co [Subject: Claims Advisory] Policy Compliance Questions: compliance@aqnova.co CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION QUERIES: compliance@aqnova.co [Subject: Certification Verification] CARBON & CLIMATE CLAIMS: compliance@aqnova.co [Subject: Carbon Claim] LEGAL / REGULATORY INQUIRIES: legal@aqnova.com [Subject: Green Claims Disclaimer] SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT: [aqnova.co/responsibility/sustainability] SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS POLICY URL: [aqnova.co/policies/sustainability-claims] CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION TOOL: [aqnova.co/certifications] EXTERNAL VERIFICATION RESOURCES: USDA Organic Integrity: ams.usda.gov/organic-integrity FLOCERT (Fairtrade): flocert.net/certification-search FSC Certificate Search: info.fsc.org B Corp Directory: bcorporation.net/find-a-b-corp GOTS Database: global-standard.org/certified-entities OEKO-TEX Registry: oeko-tex.com Rainforest Alliance: rainforest-alliance.org MSC Fishery Tracker: msc.org/track-a-fishery EU Ecolabel: ecolabel.eu Energy Star: energystar.gov/productfinder Gold Standard Registry: goldstandard.org Verra Registry: registry.verra.org Registered Office: Arivon Holding Corporation C/O Arivon Holding Corporation, 2571 Saturn Avenue, Unit #265 Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA California File Number: B20250418195 | EIN: 41-3210066 | D-U-N-S: 142957477 GB EORI: GB511467217000 Nigeria (Sahara Eagle Ltd) — Reg: 1957145 | Tax ID: 31052811-0001 | NEPC: 0030281 |
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AqNova Marketplace | Global Legal Footer Framework | Section 6.4: Green Claims Disclaimer
© 2026 Arivon Holding Corporation. All rights reserved. Effective April 7, 2026. Version 1.0.