Revision EU Textile Labelling Regulation

The new revisions to the EU Textile Labelling Regulation aimed at creating a more standardized and consumer-friendly system. Here are the key changes companies and consumers can expect.
Official Name
Revision of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products and repealing Council Directive 73/44/EEC and Directives 96/73/EC and 2008/121/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
Focus
Revision of EU rules for the labelling of textiles
Status
Pre-Proposal
Jurisdiction
EU

Key takeaways

Overview: Revision to the EU Textile Labelling Regulation

The EU is updating its rules on how textile products are labelled. The EU Textile Labelling Regulation (1007/2011) is currently being evaluated and will be revised. This is done to reflect new requirements from other EU laws, such as the ESPR and to address the different labelling requirements developed by EU member states. 

The revision aims to make textile labelling standardized in all EU countries and to reduce complexity for traders and consumers.

The current Textile Labeling Regulation (TLR) requires clear labelling of fibre content and animal-derived parts. This has been in place since 2011.

However in recent years, there has been a surge in EU regulations aimed at increasing textile sustainability. These new regulations — combined with additional labelling requirements implemented by individual EU countries — have created inconsistencies and complexities for businesses and consumers alike.

Companies must navigate different labelling requirements in each country to sell their products throughout the EU, which drives up costs. Additionally, current labels often fall short in providing essential information about product origin, materials, and environmental impact, hindering consumers' ability to make informed choices about sustainable and ethical textiles.

To address these challenges, the Textile Labeling Regulation (TLR)  is being revised. The aim of this revision is:

  • Harmonizing labelling requirements: Creating a single set of labelling rules across all EU countries, simplifying compliance for businesses and fostering seamless trade within the region.
  • Reducing compliance costs: Lowering the financial burden on companies by eliminating the need to adapt labels for each country.
  • Empowering consumers with clear information: Ensuring labels provide accurate, comparable, and readily understandable information on textile products. This includes details on origin, materials, environmental impact, proper use, and responsible disposal, empowering consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

Expected revisions

The revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation (TLR) will likely continue to cover textile products with at least 80% textile fibres. Footwear is being excluded from the revision as labelling rules for footwear are not considered in the TLR. 

The revision of the TLR is currently in its pre-proposal phase, meaning that the changes are not finalized yet. However, this is currently being considered:

Digital labelling

The ESPR regulation requires products to be accompanied by a digital product passport (DPP), which contains information about a product's sustainability and circularity aspects. As the DPP contains too much information to present on the label, the commission is considering specifications for physical and digital labelling. 

Visually appealing format

The label should look good and be easy to understand so that consumers can quickly read and compare their products. Considered are:

  • Symbols or codes
  • Sustainability or circularity labels

Proportionality

Taking into account what rules are fair and manageable for businesses, especially smaller ones (SMEs).

Potential new labelling categories

  • Origin ("made in")
  • EU-wide uniform size
  • Care labelling
  • Allergenic substances
  • Leather and fur authenticity
  • Flammability
  • Organic/bio-origin
  • Socially responsible production

Recap: The current Textile Labelling Regulation

The current Textile Labelling regulation covers textile products with at least 80% textile fibres that are placed on the EU market. Traders are required to present on the label:

  • Fibre composition of the product using a defined list of standardized categories
  • Whether the product includes non-textile parts of animal origin

Footwear is excluded from this regulation and the rules for the labelling of footwear are covered in the Directive on Rules for Labelling Footwear, from 1994.

Current status & timeline of the Revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation

The EU Commission is set to review the current TLR in Q4 of 2024. Their proposed changes are anticipated in early 2025, when they will formally present their proposal for the revision. This proposal then has to get approval from the EU Parliament and EU Council (a process estimated to take 18 months), with entry into force expected mid 2026. Then traders will likely have time to prepare for the requirements and are not expected to comply before 2027.

Timeline Details
2023 The EU Commission issued a call for evidence.
December 2023 - April 2024 The EU Commission ran a public consultation.
Early 2025 Expected: The EU Commission will present their formal proposal for the revision of the TLR.
2025 - 2026 Expected: EU Parliament and EU Commission will discuss and approve the proposal for the revision of the TLR.
Mid 2026 Expected: Revision of the TLR enters into force.
2026 - 2028 Expected: 1-2 year preparation time for traders to prepare for the requirements.
2028/2029 Expected: Traders have to adhere to the requirements.

Note: This table includes both past and upcoming deadlines. Upcoming dates that are shaded indicate the expected timeline, but these are subject to change. Please refer to EU Parliament resources for any changes.

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