Textiles: modulated sustainability penalties starting September 1, 2026

The Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature is tightening the rules for the textile sector. An order of August 24, 2026, published in the JORF No. 0200 of August 28, 2026 under NOR TECP2617044A, modifies the specifications for eco-organizations and individual systems within the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles, footwear, and household linen (TLC). Starting September 1, 2026, producers’ financial contributions will be modulated based on the durability of their products via a “D score.”

The text modifies the order of November 23, 2022, regarding the specifications for eco-organizations in the TLC sector. It inserts a new subparagraph 2.2.3.1 “Industrial and Commercial Practices” into paragraph 2.2 “Applicable Modulations.” The Director General for Risk Prevention is responsible for the execution of the order.

A durability score weighted at 50%

The “D score” is the coefficient established based on two criteria, each weighted at 50%:

• range width (G);
• incentive for repair (R).

Each criterion is expressed as an index between 0 and 1, expressible as a percentage. The adopted formula is as follows: D = 0.67 + (1.45 − 0.67) × (0.5 × G + 0.5 × R). Details on the calculation methods are defined in a note published on the website of the ministry in charge of the environment, as the methodology provided for in articles D. 541-240 et seq. of the Environmental Code is deemed to satisfy these requirements.

Penalties by product type and by year

The penalty applies to products with a D score less than or equal to 0.8. The amounts, in euros, are set by product type and increase in stages from 2026 to 2030:

• Boxers/Briefs, trunks, socks: €0.5 (2026-2027), €1 (2028), €1.50 (2029), €2 (from 2030);
• T-shirt/Polo: €2, then €2.50, €3, and €3.50;
• Skirt, swimwear: €3, then €3.50, €4, and €4.50;
• Shirt, sweater: €6, then €6.75, €7.50, and €8.25;
• Dress, trousers: €7, then €7.75, €8.50, and €9.25;
• Jeans: €9, then €11.75, €14.50, and €17.25;
• Coat/Jacket: €12, then €14.50, €17, and €19.50.

An incentive for sustainable fashion

By linking producers’ contributions to the durability of their items, the system aims to reward wide ranges and repairable products, and to penalize textiles with a low D score. The progressive increase in amounts until 2030 gives those placing products on the market time to adapt their offerings.

For textile producers and sustainable fashion stakeholders, this reform introduces a direct and increasing cost on items deemed unsustainable, while rewarding virtuous industrial and commercial practices. It aligns with the logic of extended producer responsibility, where the funding for waste management is now linked to the environmental performance of the products placed on the market.

Official Source: Decree of August 24, 2026, amending the decree of November 23, 2022, regarding the specifications for eco-organizations and individual systems of the extended producer responsibility sector for textiles, footwear, and household linen (TLC), NOR TECP2617044A, published in JORF No. 0200 of August 28, 2026.