EU Ban on Destruction of Unsold Clothes and Shoes Begins on 19 July

From 19 July 2026, large companies across the EU must stop destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear under new ESPR rules. Medium-sized businesses will face the same ban from 2030. The measure pushes firms to keep usable goods in circulation by prioritising resale, donation, or reuse through repair, refurbishment or remanufacturing. Destruction is only allowed in limited cases—such as safety issues, irreparable damage, counterfeit or IP violations, or unsuccessful donation efforts—and companies must report and document exemptions.