EU ESPR ecodesign rules: unsold clothes destruction ban and product passports

A framework for product rules

The ESPR is framework legislation: it sets the basis for later product-specific or horizontal rules rather than setting requirements for every product at once. It entered into force on 18 July 2024, and a transition regime under the old Ecodesign Directive runs until 2030.

The first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan, adopted on 16 April 2025, covers five years with a review in 2028. Preparatory work has started for textiles and steel, and the Commission is preparing the Digital Product Passport, including rules on identifiers and data carriers, access to passport information and a registry and web portal.

The ban on destroying unsold clothes and shoes

• Applies to unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear.
• Large companies from 19 July 2026; medium-sized companies from 2030.
• A delegated act adopted on 9 February 2026 sets narrow, justified exceptions, such as safety concerns or product damage; national authorities supervise compliance.
• An implementing act sets a common template for disclosing the volumes of unsold consumer goods a company discards, with reporting from February 2027.
• The Commission urges better stock management, processing of returns, resale, remanufacturing, donation or reuse instead of destruction.

Why it matters for exporters

The destruction ban applies to companies in the EU, but it changes how EU brands and retailers plan orders, returns and unsold stock, which affects their suppliers. The Commission estimates that 4-9% of unsold textiles in Europe are destroyed before being worn, producing about 5.6 million tonnes of CO2. Future product rules for textiles and steel, and the Digital Product Passport, will add information and design requirements that suppliers will have to support.