The regulations shaping product transparency in the EU.

The foundational regulation requiring Digital Product Passports for products sold in the EU. Gives the European Commission the mandate to set product-specific ecodesign requirements through delegated acts. The textile and footwear sector is designated as Priority Wave 1 in the 2025–2030 Ecodesign Working Plan.

France's AGEC anti-waste law requires product-level environmental disclosures (composition, recycled content, traceability, microplastics, SVHCs). In addition, Law No. 2026-602 (enacted 8 July 2026) targets fast-fashion practices, applying modulated eco-contribution penalties directly to ultra-fast fashion items, with an advertising ban coming into force in 2027.

Mandatory notification database managed by ECHA under the Waste Framework Directive. Brands and importers must submit information on articles containing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) above 0.1% weight-by-weight. Covers finished garments, trims, and accessories placed on the EU market.

France and Denmark have enacted binding national bans on PFAS in clothing and textiles ahead of the EU REACH restriction. Under French Decree No. 2025-1376, manufacture, import, export, and placing on the market are banned, with pre-existing stock sell-through expiring 31 December 2026. Denmark enforces an import and sales ban on items exceeding 50 mg F/kg total fluorine with inventory clearance ending 1 January 2027.

The proposed comprehensive restriction on over 10,000 PFAS substances under REACH Annex XVII covering manufacturing, import, and placing on the market — including outdoor textiles and apparel. Following extensive reviews, ECHA committees (RAC and SEAC) are finalizing their formal opinions before Commission drafting.

Directive (EU) 2024/825 establishes EU-wide rules against greenwashing and unfair commercial practices in consumer products. It prohibits generic environmental claims ("sustainable", "green", "eco-friendly") without verifiable proof, bans claims based on carbon offsetting ("climate neutral jacket"), and bans non-certified sustainability labels. Digital Product Passports provide the core auditable evidence brands need to substantiate consumer-facing transparency.

The Digital Product Passport is the EU's primary mechanism for delivering verified circularity, substance, and supply chain data to consumers, customs, and recyclers via a data carrier (such as GS1 QR). The central EU registry commenced architecture rollout in July 2026. The Battery Passport enters force in February 2027 as a regulatory blueprint, with the textile DPP delegated act arriving in 2027.