Legislations Timeline
Heads up, fashion brands! A wave of new laws are coming to the fashion industry in the next few years, especially for brands operating within the EU. These laws aim to make the industry more sustainable and ethical. Compliance is key to avoid fines and disruptions to your business. Our handy timeline can help you:
✓ See upcoming key regulations
✓ Check if they apply to your brand
✓ Learn what you need to do to comply
2023
1 January
05 January
EPR | Extended Producer Responsibility
In 2023, the EU Commission proposed an amendment to its Waste Framework Directive, targeting its Extended Producer Responsibility rules specifically towards the fashion and textile industry. Extended Producer Responsibility is an environmental policy which holds producers/brands accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from take-back and recycling to final disposal.
Note: In the UK, EPR relates specifically to packaging: "EPR for packaging fees have been deferred for a year. You will not have to pay any EPR packaging fees in 2024. However, you must still follow this guidance and report your packaging data for 2023, and will be required to pay any related fees in 2025 based on 2024 data. You must also continue to pay any fees due under previous regulations."
5 January
05 January
CSRD | Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
The fashion industry is about to get a major overhaul in transparency thanks to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced in January 2023. This game changer requires brands to shed light on their social and environmental impact alongside their usual financial reports. Sharing how much water goes into a new dress, or how ethically the workers who made it were treated is the kind of information brands will soon have to share.
2024
24 May
24 May
CSDDD | Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will hold large fashion brands accountable for environmental and human rights impacts throughout their supply chains. This means going beyond their own operations to ensure sustainable and ethical practices by suppliers and partners. Brands will need to implement due diligence processes to identify and mitigate risks, potentially including using recycled materials and ensuring safe working conditions.
18 July
Date TBA*
ESPR | Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will significantly impact fashion brands in the EU. Having come into effect on the 18th of July, it will set stricter ecodesign requirements for all products, making sustainable practices the norm. Fashion brands will need to design clothes for durability, repairability, and use recycled materials with aims to make the fashion industry more resource-efficient and reduce waste. While brands have a little time to prepare, the first working plan identifying targeted fashion sectors for these requirements is expected in early 2025.
7 August
Date TBA*
CSRD | The EU published a document for frequently asked questions on the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting rules. Read the official FAQs here.
August
Date TBA*
EPR | The deadline for paying packaging fees under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme has been pushed back by a year.
This means you won't need to pay any EPR packaging fees in 2024. However, you still need to report your packaging data for the year 2023. Any fees associated with this data will be due in 2025. Also, make sure to keep up with any outstanding fees from previous regulations.
2026
Date TBA*
Date TBA*
Green Claims Directive
The European Union's Green Claims Directive stands as a pivotal regulation aimed at transforming how green claims are made and perceived. This aligns with trends like the UK's Competition & Markets Authority Green Claims Code, both demanding more transparency and accuracy in sustainability claims. This means a clamp down on greenwashing and brands across the fashion industry will be expected to back-up their claims with data.
Date TBA*
Date TBA*
Digital Product Passports
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a detailed record of a product's life, like a digital birth certificate. It tracks materials, manufacturing, and even end-of-life instructions. Think of it as a digital dossier for each garment or accessory in your range, whilst providing transparency for consumers, retailers, and regulators – all accessible with a scan.
*The legislation is expected to be passed in 2024 with EU member states implementing it between 2026 and 2030.
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