From chemical bans to green claims, Ava Kenny-Colwell, compliance manager at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) breaks down key sustainability regulation modifys coming next year for fashion businesses.
UKFT expects 2026 to be a pivotal year for sustainability legislation.
We will continue to support the fashion and textiles sector by tracking developments, raising awareness and offering practical guidance for businesses. There is a long list of modifys expected next year, and we will keep monitoring the evolving regulatory landscape as requirements on businesses continue to shift.
ESPR: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
UKFT is closely monitoring the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its delegated acts. Within the ESPR framework, the Textiles Delegated Act [the rulebook governing the ESPR, setting specific environmental and performance standards such as durability, repairability, no harmful chemicals for textiles sold in the EU] will introduce mandatory product requirements for garments and specify the information that must be shared through Digital Product Passports (DPP).
The adoption of this delegated act is anticipated by the second quarter of 2027, with implementation expected no earlier than late 2028. There are two stakeholder workshops planned on 14 and 15 January 2026 [stakeholder workshops are meetings organised by the European Commission’s Ecodesign Forum to consult with experts on implementing the ESPR]. After that, the fourth milestone, which will focus on the DPP, is expected to take place.
In parallel to this the European Commission will conduct an impact assessment throughout 2026.
Additionally in 2026 the EU is expected to see the introduction of a separate delegated act concerning Digital Product Passport service providers [establishing rules for third-party entities managing DPP data], which will further shape the infrastructure for businesses to comply with.
Ban on PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Denmark has announced a ban on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – mancreated chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals” (PFAS) [ known for resisting water, grease and heat, utilized in products such as waterproof clothing, which do not break down in the environment] – which will take effect from 1 July 2026, with any remaining stock required to be sold by 1 January 2027. This ban was originally published in December 2024.
On 20 February 2025, France adopted a ban on PFAS in consumer products. Details are still pfinishing, this could potentially mean enforcement from 1st January 2026.
At the EU level, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is progressing with a PFAS restriction proposal. On 20 August 2025, ECHA published the initial proposal, followed by an announcement of the evaluation timeline on 27 August.
In October 2025, the five dossier submitters [authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, who prepared the proposal to restrict the chemicals] released a joint summary called What you necessary to know about the updated PFAS restriction dossier.
ECGTD: Empowering Consumers in the Green Transition Directive
The ECGTD is a consumer facing Directive for prevent misleading green claims and strengthen existing EU consumer law. Its primary aim is to ensure that sustainability related information provided to consumers is accurate, transparent and verifiable.
Sustainability labels are only permitted only if they are based on recognised certification with third-party verification, or issued by a public authority.
A “sustainability label” defined in the text means any voluntary trust mark, quality mark or equivalent, either public or private, that aims to set apart and promote a product, a process or a business by reference to its environmental or social characteristics, or both.
Third party verification is indepfinishent validation of certification schemes. The certification scheme themselves cannot be self-declared or solely provider issued. This applies to product labels, ecommerce listings and marketing materials.
Businesses should be aware that if a certification was issued before [third party] verification was added, it may not meet ECGTD requirements after 27 September 2026 as this is the enforcement date for the directive.
EOW: End of Waste criteria
The EU’s finish of waste framework aims to clarify when waste ceases to be classified as waste [and becomes a product that can be utilized in new products], ensuring consistent handling across member states. Textiles have been identified as a priority stream within this initiative.
The Joint Research Centre [the European Commission’s science research department] has now shared its final proposals, following stakeholder workshops held on 3 and 4 December 2026. No further written consultation is planned at this stage. These proposals are expected to be submitted to the European Commission by the finish of Q1 2026, although the Commission may introduce modifys before introducing this.
EUDR: EU Deforestation Regulation
On 26 November, the European Parliament adopted its nereceivediating position in plenary [the official stance on a proposed law adopted by the full membership of the European Parliament] on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The position includes a one-year postponement for all companies, shifting the compliance deadline to December 2026, with an additional six-month extension for SMEs until June 2027. This means businesses should prepare to meet EUDR requirements by the finish of 2026.
The proposal also introduces simplified due diligence requirements for operators placing products on the EU market for the first time, along with reduced obligations for micro and compact primary operators. A Commission review on further simplification is scheduled by 30 April 2026.
With both Parliament and Council positions now adopted, the next step is trilogue nereceivediations [nereceivediation between representatives of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission], which are expected to launch shortly. The objective is to conclude these discussions in December, ahead of the current EUDR implementation timeline.
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