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Textile EPR: clothing and household textiles
Last checked · 3 min read
Textile EPR makes whoever places clothing or household textiles on the market help pay for their collection, reuse and recycling. France has had a scheme since 2007, the Netherlands since 1 July 2023, and a revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive brings textile EPR to every member state within a few years.
- +France: Refashion for clothing, household linen and footwear, with its own UIN.
- +Netherlands: UPV Textiel since 1 July 2023, for consumer clothing, workwear and household textiles. Footwear is not included. Most producers join Stichting UPV Textiel.
- +The Netherlands counts in kilograms, France in units. Record both per product.
- +Under the revised EU Waste Framework Directive, every member state must set up textile EPR, expected by around 2028.
Refashion in France
In France, textiles fall under the scheme for clothing, household linen and footwear (TLC). The eco-organisation is Refashion. You declare in units per category, not kilograms, and you receive a separate textile UIN next to your packaging UIN. The fee is eco-modulated: more durable design can lower it. More in the France guide.
UPV Textiel in the Netherlands
Since 1 July 2023, producers and importers of textiles in the Netherlands are responsible for what happens to their products once discarded. The scheme sets reuse and recycling targets that rise over the coming years. Enforcement is by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT).
- Consumer clothing
- Workwear
- Household textiles: bed, table and kitchen linen, towels
Footwear is not included. When in doubt about a product, such as a bag or an accessory, check with the producer responsibility organisation.
There are three producer responsibility organisations: Stichting UPV Textiel, set up by the industry and by far the largest, European Recycling Platform and Collectief Circulair Textiel. You can also meet the obligations individually, but most producers join an organisation. You report how many kilograms of textiles you placed on the Dutch market each year and pay a fee per kilogram.
The new EU rules for textiles
In October 2025 the revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive entered into force. It requires every member state to set up an EPR scheme for textiles and footwear within 30 months, so expect it by 2028 at the latest. Sellers of clothing in countries without a scheme today, such as Germany, will gain an obligation there.
The Netherlands is adapting its scheme accordingly. Expect, among other things, a public producer register in which every textile producer must register, as already exists for packaging.
The data you need
Because the Netherlands counts kilograms and France counts units, you need both per product: the category (clothing, household linen, footwear), the weight per unit and the number of units sold per country. Record them once per product and both declarations follow from the same sales. Do not forget the packaging: the bag or box you ship clothing in falls under packaging EPR as well.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries have textile EPR today?
Of the countries in this guide, France (since 2007, through Refashion) and the Netherlands (since 1 July 2023). A few other member states have started schemes of their own; under the revised EU Waste Framework Directive every member state must follow, expected by 2028.
Is footwear covered by textile EPR?
In France, yes: Refashion covers clothing, household linen and footwear. In the Netherlands, no.
Do I have to join Stichting UPV Textiel?
Not necessarily that one. You must meet the Dutch textile EPR, either individually or through one of three producer responsibility organisations. Stichting UPV Textiel is the largest; European Recycling Platform and Collectief Circulair Textiel are the other two.
Will Germany introduce textile EPR?
Yes. The revised EU Waste Framework Directive requires every member state to set up textile EPR, expected by 2028 at the latest.
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This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, thresholds and deadlines are set by the schemes themselves and they change. Check what applies to your situation with the scheme or an adviser.