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Commission adopts Delegated Regulation on ESPR destruction ban derogations for unsold textiles
EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)European CommissionEU
Announced
Feb 9, 2026
Effective
Jul 19, 2026
Implementation
Jul 19, 2026
Description
Commission Delegated Regulation C(2026) 659 final establishes specific derogations from the ESPR prohibition on destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear. Permitted derogations include: health/hygiene/safety reasons; damage that cannot be cost-effectively repaired; unfitness for intended purpose; non-acceptance of products offered for donation; unsuitability for preparing for reuse or remanufacturing; unsaleability due to intellectual property rights infringement; and destruction being the option with least negative environmental impacts. Destruction ban takes effect 19 July 2026 for large enterprises and 19 July 2030 for medium-sized enterprises.
Sources
Key Findings
Commission adopts Delegated Regulation on ESPR destruction ban derogations for unsold textiles
Commission Delegated Regulation setting out derogations from the prohibition of destruction of unsold consumer products - Environment [en](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-delegated-regulation-setting-out-derogations-prohibition-destruction-unsold-consumer_en) Select your language Close EU official languages * [bgбългарски](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-delegated-reg
Commission adopts Delegated Regulation on ESPR destruction ban derogations for unsold textiles
ська](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-rules-stop-destruction-unsold-clothes-and-shoes-2026-02-09_uk) [Energy, Climate change, Environment](https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment_en) Environment # New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes The Delegated and Implementing Acts will support businesses in complying with new requirements. * News article * 9 Februar