EU introduces a ban on destroying unsold clothes as part of a major effort to reduce textile waste and promote a circular economy across Europe. Effective 19 July, large companies operating in the European Union are no longer allowed to destroy unsold clothes, clothing accessories, and footwear. The measure, introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), seeks to conserve valuable resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and extend the life of products.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), an estimated 4-9% of all textile products placed on the European market are destroyed before ever being used, amounting to 264,000 to 594,000 tonnes of textiles every year. By requiring businesses to prioritize reuse, repair, and recycling, the EU aims to transform one of the world’s most resource-intensive industries into a more sustainable and competitive sector.

New Rules Prioritize Reuse Over Waste

Under the new regulation, companies must first explore options to keep unsold products in circulation instead of destroying them. Businesses are encouraged to:

• Sell products through discounts or alternative markets.
• Donate usable items to charities or social enterprises.
• Repair, refurbish, or remanufacture products for reuse.

Destruction will only be permitted in exceptional cases and must follow the EU’s waste treatment hierarchy, with recycling taking priority wherever possible.

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Limited Exceptions to the Ban

The regulation allows companies to destroy unsold products only under specific circumstances. These include unsafe or damaged products, counterfeit goods, products that infringe intellectual property rights, and items rejected by charities or donation programs.

To prevent misuse of these exemptions, businesses must provide supporting evidence such as inspection reports or test results. They are also required to publish annual reports detailing the quantity and reasons for any products destroyed.

EU Introduces Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothes to Advance Circular Economy

• The EU introduces a ban on destroying unsold clothes as one of the first concrete actions under the ESPR, which came into force in 2024.
• The broader regulation establishes EU-wide standards to make products more durable, repairable, recyclable, and resource-efficient throughout their lifecycle.
• Textiles were selected as the first product category because of the industry’s significant environmental footprint. Discarding new, usable products not only wastes raw materials, water, energy, and labour but also generates avoidable carbon emissions associated with disposal and replacement manufacturing.

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Compliance and Enforcement Measures

National authorities across EU member states will monitor compliance with the new rules and have the authority to impose financial penalties for violations. Companies must maintain records for five years to facilitate inspections and demonstrate compliance.

To reduce administrative burdens, businesses will report discarded products using existing customs and logistics codes. Small and micro-enterprises are exempt from these reporting requirements, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply from 2030.

The European Commission developed the regulation after extensive consultations with businesses, environmental organisations, and industry experts to ensure practical implementation. As the fashion industry faces growing pressure to reduce waste and improve sustainability, the new rules represent a significant milestone in Europe’s transition toward a circular economy where products remain in use for as long as possible instead of being discarded prematurely.

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