Key Sustainability Regulation Changes for Fashion Businesses in 2026: UKFT Overview

As sustainability in fashion accelerates, 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for regulatory updates impacting fashion and textile businesses across the UK and EU. Ava Kenny-Colwell, Compliance Manager at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), outlines essential upcoming changes.

1. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

• Scope: The EU’s ESPR, including the Textiles Delegated Act, will enforce mandatory environmental and performance standards on garments, such as durability, repairability, and chemical restrictions.
• Digital Product Passports (DPP): Businesses will need to provide detailed product information via DPPs.
• Timeline: Adoption of the Textiles Delegated Act expected by Q2 2027; implementation likely from late 2028.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Workshops scheduled for January 14-15, 2026, focusing on the DPP framework.
• Additional Rulemaking: Delegated acts for DPP service providers will shape compliance infrastructure.

2. Ban on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

• Chemical Concern: PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” resist degradation and are used in waterproof clothing.
• Denmark: Ban effective July 1, 2026, with stock clearance by January 1, 2027.
• France: Adopted a PFAS ban in consumer goods on February 20, 2025, with possible enforcement starting January 2026.
• EU Level: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) progressing with PFAS restrictions, including assessment and consultation through 2026. —

3. Empowering Consumers in the Green Transition Directive (ECGTD)

• Objective: Prevent misleading sustainability claims and strengthen transparency in green marketing.
• Certification Requirements: Sustainability labels must be backed by recognized third-party verification or issued by public authorities.
• Enforcement Date: September 27, 2026.
• Business Impact: Certifications without third-party verification post-date enforcement may no longer comply, affecting product labels, e-commerce, and advertising.

4. End of Waste Criteria (EOW)

• Focus: Clarifies when waste ceases to be waste and can be reused in products, aiding circular economy efforts.
• Priority: Textiles identified as a key stream.
• Status: Final proposals shared after December 2025 workshops; submission to the European Commission expected by end of Q1 2026. —

5. EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

• Aim: Prevent import of commodities linked to deforestation.
• Compliance Deadline: Extended to December 2026 for all companies; SMEs get an extra six months until June 2027.
• Simplifications: Reduced due diligence for first-time entrants to the EU market and for small operators; a review for further simplification due by April 30, 2026.
• Next Steps: Trilogues between EU institutions to finalize the regulation are expected by December 2026. —

Conclusion

2026 will bring substantial shifts in sustainability compliance for fashion and textile businesses, spanning product design, chemical restrictions, transparency in environmental claims, waste management, and deforestation accountability. The UKFT pledges ongoing support to help companies navigate these evolving regulations.

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