Question 1

Does EU textile regulation apply to my brand?

Accepted Answer

EU textile regulations apply to any brand that sells apparel, footwear, home textiles, or leather goods in EU markets — regardless of where the brand is based. If you sell to EU customers under your own brand name or private label, you are considered a producer and carry compliance obligations under ESPR, EPR, and the Green Claims Directive.

Question 2

What is the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Accepted Answer

An EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record attached to a physical product containing standardised data about its composition, origin, environmental footprint, and end-of-life instructions. Required under the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), DPPs for textiles must be accessible via QR code or NFC from the product label. Large enterprises must comply by 1 July 2028; SMEs by 1 January 2029.

Question 3

What is the EU DPP deadline for fashion brands?

Accepted Answer

Large enterprises must comply with EU Digital Product Passport requirements by 1 July 2028. Small and medium businesses (SMEs) have until 1 January 2029. Certain substance-related data fields — including REACH SVHC declarations, RSL compliance, azo dye declarations, and PFAS declarations — have earlier deadlines from 2026.

Question 4

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles?

Accepted Answer

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles requires brands and retailers placing textile products on EU markets to register as producers, pay fees based on the volume and environmental profile of products sold, and contribute to collection and recycling infrastructure. EPR obligations are being introduced progressively across EU member states from 2025.

Question 5

What is the EU unsold goods destruction ban?

Accepted Answer

The EU unsold goods destruction ban — part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) — prohibits large enterprises from destroying, incinerating, or landfilling unsold apparel, footwear, and accessories. The ban applies to large companies from 19 July 2026, with SME obligations following at a later date.

Question 6

Do environmental claims like 'sustainable' require proof in the EU?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Environmental claims such as 'sustainable', 'eco-friendly', 'circular', 'natural', or 'carbon neutral' are regulated by the EU Green Claims Directive. From September 2026, brands must substantiate all environmental claims with verifiable evidence before using them in marketing. Unsubstantiated claims can result in fines and market withdrawal.

EU Compliance Self-Assessmentdoes it apply to you?

Do you sell — or plan to sell — any products in the EU market?

Do you sell — or plan to sell — any products in the EU market?