Unsold Clothing Must Not Be Thrown Away | The Disposal Ban That Began in the EU

Where do unsold clothes go after the season ends? The European Union has answered this question with law. From July 19, 2026, large companies are, in principle, prohibited from destroying unsold clothing.

As part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, ESPR

The basis is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, ESPR, Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, adopted in 2024. It is a framework law that sets rules on product durability, repairability, information transparency, and more, and digital product passports are also based on this regulation. Within it, provisions prohibiting the destruction of unsold consumer products were introduced, and clothing, apparel accessories, and shoes were designated as the first targets.

Key Points of the Rules
・From July 19, 2026, large companies will, in principle, be prohibited from destroying unsold clothing, apparel accessories, and shoes.
・Medium-sized companies will be covered from 2030, while small and micro enterprises are excluded.
・Recycling is also included as “destruction” unless it falls under an exception.
・Companies are also required to disclose quantities destroyed and the reasons for destruction.

“Recycling” Is Also Included in Destruction

What stands out in this rule is the breadth of what counts as “destruction.” It includes not only landfill and incineration, but also recycling unsold products back into raw materials, unless an exception applies. Exceptions for legitimate reasons, such as safety concerns or product damage, have been set out in delegated regulations. First, avoid creating unsold stock; if it does arise, have it used in another form. The law has made that order clear.

Scope of Large Companies

The “large companies” covered are companies that meet EU criteria of 250 or more employees, or turnover exceeding 50 million euros and total assets exceeding 43 million euros. Companies outside the EU are also affected if they sell in the EU.

In Japan, too, many discarded garments are currently being disposed of. Where Japan’s Clothing Goes). The EU rule shows that a global shift has begun in earnest toward considering how clothing “ends” from the design stage.

References: European Commission, Regulation (EU) 2024/1781

—The Value Village Editorial Team