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Regulations Guide

This guide explains the key European regulations that affect outdoor and activewear brands — in plain English. Passr’s platform is built specifically to help you comply with all of them.

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1. EU ESPR — Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

What it is: ESPR is the cornerstone EU regulation that will require Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for most product categories sold within the EU. For textiles and apparel, it establishes mandatory minimum disclosure requirements. Who it affects: Any brand selling textile products (garments, footwear, accessories) into the European Union market — regardless of where the brand is based. Key requirements for apparel brands: Timeline:
  • 2025–2026: Pilot programmes and DPP technical standards being finalised
  • 2027: DPP mandatory for specific textile categories (expected)
  • 2030: Full rollout across all apparel categories
Starting your DPP compliance now — even before it’s legally mandatory — gives your brand a competitive advantage and avoids the last-minute rush that will affect most of the industry in 2026–2027.

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2. French AGEC Law — Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy

What it is: France’s AGEC law (Loi Anti-Gaspillage pour une Économie Circulaire) includes specific obligations for brands selling into the French market. It predates ESPR and is already in force. Who it affects: Brands selling textiles directly to French consumers — via retail, e-commerce, or wholesale. Key requirements: Passr’s Supply Chain mapper directly satisfies the assembly and dyeing location requirements. Material composition data covers recycled content and microplastic declarations.

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3. PFAS Restrictions

What it is: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in water-resistant coatings, non-stick finishes, and stain repellents. The EU is phasing them out due to their persistence in the environment and human body (“forever chemicals”). Impact on outdoor apparel: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings on jackets, pants, and footwear have traditionally used PFAS. Brands are under increasing pressure to switch to PFAS-free alternatives. Key regulations: How Passr helps:
  • Declare PFAS status per product (PFAS-Free / Contains PFAS / Not Applicable)
  • Upload laboratory fluorine test reports as verifiable evidence
  • The PFAS declaration is displayed prominently on the public passport
A PFAS-Free declaration without a supporting lab report is a marketing claim. Uploading a certified total fluorine test result (e.g. to EN 17681) converts it into a verified, auditable disclosure.

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4. EU REACH — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals

What it is: REACH is the EU’s comprehensive chemicals regulation. It restricts the use of specific hazardous substances in consumer articles — including textiles. What it means for apparel brands: Any product sold in the EU must not exceed the REACH concentration limits for substances of very high concern (SVHCs) — including certain heavy metals, flame retardants, and azo dyes. Key points:
  • If a product contains an SVHC above 0.1% by weight, consumers have the right to know — this is a transparency obligation, not an outright ban
  • ESPR will extend REACH transparency requirements significantly — SVHC declarations will need to appear in Digital Product Passports
Passr’s Compliance Locker includes a Chemicals section where you can log any REACH SVHC declarations per product.

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5. Regulation Timeline at a Glance

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6. How Passr Keeps You Covered

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Next Steps

FAQ

Common questions about regulations, timelines, and compliance evidence.

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