Large companies in the European Union are no longer allowed to destroy unsold new clothing, accessories or footwear. The new rules are intended to prevent usable goods from being wasted, along with the raw materials, energy and labour used to produce them.
Reuse Instead of Destruction
Whenever possible, companies should keep unsold goods in circulation. For example, they can sell them at a lower price or on other markets, donate them to charities, repair them or prepare them for reuse.
The rules generally also apply to returned goods. If the products can still be used or repaired, they should not be prematurely discarded as waste.
More Goods at Lower Prices
In the long term, the ban could also benefit consumers. The German Retail Federation expects more unsold new goods to be offered at lower prices in the future—for example, through outlet stores, clearance sales, second-hand shops and other resale channels.
However, it is not yet clear where such goods will be available in Tübingen and the surrounding area.
Exceptions in Certain Cases
The destruction of goods will still be permitted in certain justified cases—for example, if products are severely damaged and repairing them would not be worthwhile. However, companies must provide evidence that this is the case. The responsible authorities in EU member states will monitor compliance with the rules and may impose fines for violations.
Large Companies First
The ban initially applies to large companies. Medium-sized companies must comply with the rules from 19 July 2030. Small and micro-enterprises are exempt. The decisive factor is the size of the company as a whole, not the size of an individual branch.
Hundreds of Thousands of Tonnes of Textiles
According to estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA), between four and nine per cent of textile products offered for sale in Europe are destroyed each year, even though they have never been used. This amounts to between 264,000 and 594,000 tonnes annually.
Sources and further information:
European Commission: Ban applies from 19 July 2026
European Commission: New rules against the destruction of unsold goods
EUR-Lex: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/296
EUR-Lex: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/295
European Environment Agency: Destruction of unsold textiles
Tagesschau: EU ban on destroying unsold clothing
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