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ESPR destruction ban takes effect for large enterprises July 2026
EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)European CommissionEU
Announced
Feb 9, 2026
Effective
Jul 19, 2026
Implementation
Jul 19, 2026
Description
Under ESPR Article 20, the prohibition on destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear takes effect on July 19, 2026 for large enterprises. Medium-sized enterprises must comply from July 19, 2030. The ban covers products under CN codes 4203, 61, 62, 6504, 6505 (apparel and clothing accessories) and 6401, 6402, 6403, 6404, 6405 (footwear). Companies must implement alternative practices such as resale, donation to social economy entities, reuse, repair, refurbishment, or recycling instead of destruction. The February 2026 delegated regulation defines specific derogations under which destruction may still be permitted.
Sources
Key Findings
ESPR destruction ban takes effect for large enterprises July 2026
ent * 3 min read © Annaspoka | Getty Images The European Commission today (Feb 9) adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear. The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them to reap the b
ESPR destruction ban takes effect for large enterprises July 2026
the proportion of discarded products delivered to undergo waste treatment operations, and the measures taken and the measures planned to prevent the products’ destruction. Article 24(1) does not apply to micro and small enterprises. | (1) Pursuant to Article 24(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, large enterprises and, from 19 July 2030, medium-sized enterprises that discard unsold consumer products directly or have th