Regulations and standard in the European Union
Future deadlines and measures under preparation
By the end of the year, the foundation will officially launch ZDHC ClaimCheck. This is a public registry where brands and yarn manufacturers will be able to file and legally validate their “chemical sustainability” claims, eliminating the risk of greenwashing penalties under the new EU directives.
The ZDHC 2030 Strategy: The roadmap envisions that by this date:
- ZDHC compliance will become the mandatory operating system for importing textile products into regulated markets.
- All major signatory brands will completely exclude suppliers that have not reached at least Level 2 (verified by third parties, as in the CHEM pillar of 4Sustainability).
The supplier qualification pathway (Levels 1, 2 and 3) has become stricter. Throughout 2026 and 2027, the criteria for maintaining the highest levels require analytical evidence and audits on wastewater treatment sludge and emissions, no longer just on wastewater. The new list of chemicals banned in production introduces very strict limits on PFAS (so-called “forever pollutants”) and on new flame retardants, aligning with the total PFAS bans already in force in several European and American markets.
The Evolution of Organic: GOTS 8.0 and the New GRTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has published its update to version 8.0, with a transition period that will make compliance mandatory from March 1, 2027. The organization has launched a public consultation for the launch of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), with the aim of applying GOTS’s rigorous control model to yarns and fibers that are not of organic origin.
Textile Exchange Materials Matter Standard (MMS)
Single voluntary standard for the production and first processing of textile raw materials, published on 12 December 2025. It will gradually replace GRS, RCS, RWS, RAS and RMS. On 1 April 2026 Textile Exchange published the binding Transition Policy. According to Ecocert, it becomes mandatory on 31 December 2027 for eligible farm and first-processing companies, with the old standards phased out. For anyone selling yarns with GRS or RCS 100 today, existing certificates remain valid during the transition but will then need to be migrated to MMS. Using the logo and claims will require MMS certification and chain of custody. Nothing changes for companies certified only under GOTS and/or OCS. Sources: Textile Exchange.There is a shift from purely documentary and bureaucratic compliance to an approach focused on concrete, on-the-ground results (effective soil impact, water management, biodiversity, animal welfare, and human rights).
Timeline: The standard came into force at the end of 2026 for audits and will become mandatory and binding starting December 31, 2027. Beyond this date, old certificates will no longer be renewed.
Revision of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 (textile labelling)
It is not yet in force. The Commission had planned to propose a revision by the second quarter of 2026.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (EUDR), deforestation
Amendment Regulation (EU) 2025/2650 was published on 23 December 2025 and entered into force three days later.The Regulation applies from 30 December 2026 to large and medium-sized enterprises, and from 30 June 2027 to other micro and small enterprises.
lThe EU’s eight-digit goods classification, based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System, determines customs duties, import VAT, licences, prohibitions and Intrastat declarations.
The annual regulation is published by the end of October and applies from 1 January of the following year.
Non-preferential origin indication
From 1 March 2027, the European Union will introduce a systematic requirement to indicate non-preferential origin in import declarations. This will also apply when preferential tariff treatment is requested and the two origin details are identical, eliminating a previous simplification.
It is essential to distinguish the annual update of the Combined Nomenclature from global structural revisions: the next major revision of the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System (HS 2028) will enter into force on 1 January 2028.
Directive (EU) 2025/1892 (textile EPR): deadlines
National transposition is required by 17 June 2027. EPR schemes must be operational by 17 April 2028, and micro-enterprises are included from 17 April 2029. The rules apply to all producers, including e-commerce businesses, that first place textile products, footwear and related products listed in Annex IVc on the EU market.
Brands and companies will have to fully finance the end-of-life management of their products, including:
- Collection of used products and textile waste, including waste intended for reuse.
- Transport, sorting, preparation for reuse, recycling and waste treatment.
- Protection of collected waste against weather conditions and contamination during handling.
Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 (forced labour)
It establishes an absolute prohibition on placing or making available on the Union market, or exporting, products made using forced labour.
The legislation adopts a product-based approach and applies to all goods, sectors and economic operators, regardless of whether the goods are manufactured within the EU or imported from third countries.It applies from 14 December 2027.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR)
Subsequent deadlines:
- Harmonised labels become mandatory from 12 August 2028.
- Labels for reusable packaging become mandatory from 12 February 2029.
- Reuse targets for transport packaging are 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040.
Already in force or applicable
(UE) 2024/825, “Empowering consumers for the green transition”
Applicable from 27 September 2026. It concerns unfair commercial practices and greenwashing, with rules on generic environmental claims and sustainability labels.
It applies to B2C sales and therefore affects yarns only indirectly, through the way certifications and “green” claims are communicated.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR)
Applicable from 12 August 2026. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies progressively, with the main obligations taking effect from 12 August 2026. It was published in the Official Journal on 22 January 2025.
It replaces Directive 94/62/EC and applies to all packaging placed on the EU market and all packaging waste, regardless of material. It also applies to non-EU operators placing packaging on the EU market.
From 12 August 2026, the sustainability requirements and EU declaration of conformity, packaging identification and marking, registration in producer registers, and EPR reporting apply. From the same date, all packaging placed on the market must be recyclable. The PFAS limits apply to food-contact packaging placed on the market after that date and are therefore of limited relevance to yarns.
In force from 29 July 2026, the day after its publication in the Official Journal on 28 July 2026.Definitive duties: 60.0% to 67.6%.
Companies subject to the 60.0% rate:
- Fujian Eversun Jinjiang
- Fujian Jingfeng Technology
- Fujian Xinchuang Nylon
- Fujian Jinyi High Performance Material
Companies subject to the 67.6% rate:
- Fujian Highsun Synthetic Fiber
- Fuzhou Liyuan Polyamide
- Fujian Liheng Polyamide
- Xinhui Dehua Nylon Chips
- Nanchong Meihua Nylon
Other Chinese importers: 67.6%.
Affected CN codes: 5402 31 00, 5402 45 00, 5402 51 00, 5402 61 00.
The individual rates apply only if the commercial invoice contains a specific declaration from the manufacturer. Without that declaration, the highest rate applies.
The ban applies from 19 July 2026 to large enterprises. It covers clothing, accessories and footwear and establishes exemptions and the reporting format.
For yarns, it is relevant only indirectly, through downstream customers.
EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement
Provisional application from 1 May 2026. It will enter into force definitively once both parties have notified completion of their respective internal procedures.
It provides for the gradual elimination of tariffs with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. For South American yarns, check the applicable tariff rates and proof-of-origin requirements in the text of the agreement.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1926, Combined Nomenclature 2026
Applicable from 1 January 2026. It amends Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on tariff and statistical nomenclature and the Common Customs Tariff.
Directive (EU) 2025/1892, extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles
In force since 16 October 2025. It requires producers to bear the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling textiles, related products and footwear.
Published on 6 October 2025 and generally in force from the following day. It subjected imports to registration during the anti-dumping investigation.
Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 on prohibiting products made with forced labour
In force since December 2024. It prohibits products made with forced labour from being placed on the EU market or exported. The application date is specified in Section B of the regulatrion doc.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
In force since July 2024. Specific requirements for digital product passports for textile products have yet to be adopted through delegated acts.
Anti-dumping regulations on high-tenacity polyester yarn (HTYP) from China
In force since May 2023. The measures have been extended for a further five years, with duties ranging from 6.9% to 23.7%.
They concern a technical yarn used in products such as tyres and seat belts, rather than conventional textile polyester yarn.
Regulation (EU) 2018/1513, amendment to Annex XVII of REACH (Entry 72)
Applicable from 1 November 2020. It restricts CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction) in clothing and textiles that come into contact with the skin.
Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, textile fibre names and labelling
Applicable since 8 May 2012. It governs textile fibre names and the labelling of fibre composition.
Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, Union Customs Code
Applicable since 1 May 2016. It provides the basic framework for imports and exports, including customs declarations, origin and customs value.
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, REACH
Applicable since 1 June 2007. It regulates the registration and restriction of chemical substances, including those used in yarns.