The consumer watchdog has set about educating the public on carbon offset claims.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a set of guidelines in response to growing claims about how consumers can neutralise the carbon footprint of flights, cars and other aspects of daily life.
"Consumer concerns about the veracity of claims on carbon offsets have led the ACCC to develop guidance for consumers and industry on the Trade Practices Act implications of carbon offset claims," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.
"The difficulties in understanding and verifying carbon claims give rise to concerns that consumers may be facing misleading and deceptive conduct associated with this emerging market."
Kate Norris from consumer advocacy group Choice welcomed the guidelines but said the federal government should set rules for offset schemes.
"There is a strong need for consumers to have access to clear information on carbon claims. The ACCC's guides will help achieve this aim," she said.
"We now need the federal government to set a minimum standard for carbon offsets and carbon neutrality."
The guidelines, titled Carbon Claims and the Trade Practices Act, can be viewed on the ACCC website.
They are available in electronic form only "in deference to environmental concerns".
