EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes takes effect for large companies

A ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear went into effect July 19 in the European Union (EU). The ban was introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and applies to large companies across the EU. Medium-sized companies must begin complying with the new rules in 2030.

The ESPR was introduced in 2024 and sets rules to make products more durable, repairable, recyclable and resource-efficient. 

What the new rules mean for companies 

Under the new rules, businesses must prioritize keeping products in use by selling them, such as offering discounts or alternative markets; donating them to charities or social enterprises; or preparing them for reuse, including repairing, refurbishing or remanufacturing.

Destruction will be allowed only under specified circumstances and must be carried out in accordance with the waste treatment hierarchy, giving priority to recycling. 

When the ban does not apply 

Companies may only destroy unsold clothes and shoes in limited cases, such as when items are unsafe or damaged, counterfeit or infringing intellectual property rights, or are rejected by charities or donation centers. 

Businesses must provide proof (e.g., documents or test results) and publish annual reports on what they have discarded. 

How the rules will be enforced 

National authorities will check compliance and can impose fines for violations. Companies must keep records for five years to allow inspections. 

To reduce paperwork, businesses will use existing customs and logistics codes when reporting. Small and micro-businesses are exempt from these reporting requirements. 

More information

For more information about the ESPR, click here.