ImportRules

Selling clothing and textiles in the EU

Textiles straddle four regimes: GPSR for the consumer product, the Textile Labelling Regulation for fibre composition, REACH restrictions on chemicals in the fabric, and EPR — packaging everywhere plus textile-specific schemes in France. A Digital Product Passport follows once the textiles delegated act lands (expected 2027, plus at least 18 months).

The product may be simple — a T-shirt — but the layers on top are not. REACH testing, French EPR registration and GPSR documentation together cost more than the first production run for many small brands.

The questions

Which rules apply to clothing and textiles in the EU?

Four layers: GPSR for the consumer product (Responsible Person, labelling), the Textile Labelling Regulation (1007/2011 — fibre composition on the label), REACH restrictions on chemicals in the fabric (azo dyes, formaldehyde, phthalates), and EPR — packaging plus in France textile-specific EPR on top.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/988; Regulation (EU) 1007/2011; Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. Checked: 4 September 2026.

What fibre information must be on the label?

The Textile Labelling Regulation requires the fibre composition as a percentage (e.g. '80% cotton, 20% polyester') using the harmonised fibre names. Any non-textile parts of animal origin (leather, fur) must be stated separately. The label must be durable, legible and in the language of each country of sale.
Source: Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, Articles 8-12. Checked: 4 September 2026.

Which REACH restrictions hit textiles hardest?

Azo dyes that release any of 22 restricted aromatic amines (Annex XVII entry 43), formaldehyde in finishing (entry 72 limits), certain phthalates in plastisol prints, and per- or polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in water-repellent finishes. Every serious EU buyer tests for these; a failed test rejects the order.
Source: Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH), Annex XVII entries 43, 72 and others. Checked: 4 September 2026.

Does France have extra textile rules?

Yes — France operates a textile EPR scheme alongside packaging EPR: producers and importers of clothing, household linen and footwear must register with Refashion (formerly Eco TLC), declare quantities, and pay fees per item. Selling textiles to French consumers without this registration is an offence.
Source: French EPR textile scheme (Refashion); Article L.541-10 French Environment Code. Checked: 4 September 2026.

Does clothing need a GPSR Responsible Person?

Yes — clothing sold to consumers is a consumer product. The Responsible Person must be established in the EU, named on the product or packaging, and holding the technical file. Many textile importers discover this only when a listing is suspended.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Article 16. Checked: 4 September 2026.

What does textile compliance cost?

REACH testing (azo, formaldehyde, phthalates): €200–800 per fabric type. Responsible Person: €200–500/year for clothing. French EPR registration and fees: variable by volume. GPSR documentation: hundreds. Budget €1,500–3,000 for the first textile product line.
Source: Market pricing; these are observed ranges, not quotations. See the cost answer. Checked: 4 September 2026.

Who can help with toys

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide Toy testing (EN 71), CE marking, Responsible Person for children's products can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Biorius
biorius.com		BelgiumCosmetics + toys, strong in chemical testing
TÜV Rheinland
tuv.com		GermanyEN 71 testing, accredited lab, global presence
SGS
sgs.com		GlobalFull-range testing including EN 71

Who can help with electronics

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide EMC/LVD/RED testing, RoHS compliance, CE marking for electronics can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
TÜV SÜD
tuev-sued.de		GermanyElectronics testing, EMC, RED
Intertek
intertek.com		UK/GlobalElectronics, EMC, safety testing
Bureau Veritas
bureauveritas.com		France/GlobalElectronics, consumer products

Who can help with cosmetics

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide CPNP notification, PIF, safety assessment (CPSR), Responsible Person for cosmetics can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Biorius
biorius.com		BelgiumCosmetics specialist, safety assessment, CPNP
COSlaw
coslaw.eu		NetherlandsCosmetics regulatory affairs
Delphic HSE
delphic-hse.co.uk		UKCosmetics safety assessment

Who can help with supplements

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide Novel food status, notification per member state, labelling can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Freyr
freyreglobal.com		GlobalFood supplement registration across EU
QualitySmart Solutions
qualitysmartsolutions.com		EUNovel food determination, supplement compliance

Who can help with medical

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide MDR/IVDR notified body, authorised representative, UDI registration can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Qserve Group
qservegroup.com		NetherlandsMDR specialist, operating since 1998
QbD / Qarad
qarad.com		BelgiumIVD specialist, operating since 2000
BSI Group
bsigroup.com		UK/GlobalNotified body for MDR

Who can help with furniture

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide EUDR plot geolocation, formaldehyde testing, Responsible Person for furniture can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Nepcon
nepcon.org		DenmarkForest certification, EUDR due diligence
Preferred by Nature
preferredbynature.org		DenmarkFSC/PEFC, deforestation-free sourcing

Who can help with textiles

Companies active in this category. Editorial and unpaid; being listed says nothing about quality beyond what they publish about themselves.

This section is being expanded. Companies that provide REACH testing (azo, formaldehyde), textile labelling, French EPR (Refashion) can request an extended listing or contact us for inclusion.
CompanyBasedWhat they publish about themselves
Hohenstein
hohenstein.de		GermanyTextile testing, OEKO-TEX, REACH
Testex
testex.com		SwitzerlandTextile testing, OEKO-TEX certification