Fashion industry faces five upcoming EU sustainability regulations
Fashion industry faces five upcoming EU sustainability regulations, including rules on packaging, consumer empowerment, deforestation, forced labor, and ecodesign. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation took effect in August, the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive becomes enforceable in September, and the Deforestation Regulation will require farm‑level traceability by the end of next year.
Beyond the near‑term rules, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the Digital Product Passport framework have compliance deadlines set for 2028 and 2029, though many brands treat those dates as distant. The EU Forced Labour Regulation, however, allows regulators to probe forced‑labor claims at any point in the supply chain and to name non‑compliant companies publicly. Experts warn that brands lacking end‑to‑end traceability will find it impossible to claim ignorance as a defense once violations are substantiated.
“The,” Marissa Brock said.
“We see real progress from leading players in specific areas such as traceability and supplier mapping, alongside ongoing development in others, such as work on the interoperability of the data at the manufacturer level,” María Luisa Martínez Díez said.
Many brands have already mapped the origins of basic fibers like cotton and polyester, but deeper tiers remain opaque. Industry leaders note that while traceability and supplier mapping are advancing, crucial implementation guidance is still lacking.
What we know
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation began applying in August.
Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive enters into full enforcement in September.
Deforestation Regulation will mandate full, farm-level traceability by the end of next year.
The 2028 and 2029 deadlines for the CSDDD and Digital Product Passport can create a false sense of security.