.

Brussels - Textiles are an integral part of daily life, providing comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal to a wide array of products, from clothing to furniture and automotive gear. However, the extensive use of textiles also poses significant environmental challenges, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and raw material consumption. Despite these obstacles, the textile industry remains a cornerstone of the European economy, employing over 1.5 million individuals and contributing significantly to the EU Single Market.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the European Commission is considering revising the current European legislation governing textile labelling. The aim is to align textile products placed on the EU market with principles of durability, recyclability, and repairability, as outlined in the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles published on March 30, 2022.

The current regulation, Regulation 1007/2011 on Textile Labelling, governs textile products' labelling requirements, including fibre composition and non-textile elements of animal origin. However, with the regulation in force for over a decade, the Commission is evaluating whether amendments are necessary to address key concerns such as market fragmentation, consumer information deficiencies, and sector sustainability.

Proposed revisions may expand the scope of the legislation to include information on product size, maintenance, and sustainability parameters. This expansion would not only cover textile products but also related items like leather and fur products, apparel accessories, and household textiles. The Commission aims to harmonize rules across Member States to reduce compliance costs for companies and enhance consumer information.

Additionally, the Commission is exploring the introduction of digital labels to complement physical labels. These digital labels could incorporate language-independent symbols or codes, as well as sustainability and circularity information, providing consumers with comprehensive product details. However, ensuring the durability and functionality of physical labels remains a priority.

To gather input for the revision process, the Commission launched a public consultation on December 19, 2023, which will run until April 15, 2024. Stakeholders, including industry representatives and citizens, are encouraged to provide feedback on potential changes to the textile labelling regulation. Based on the consultation's outcomes, the Commission will develop a legislative proposal to amend the existing regulation, with the fashion industry playing a crucial role in shaping the future of textile labelling rules.

In conclusion, the EU's efforts to revise the textile labelling regulation underscore its commitment to promoting sustainability and circularity in the textile industry while enhancing consumer information and market competitiveness.