Netherlands Textiles EPR is reshaping how producers and importers handle textile waste. But are you ready for the upcoming targets and regulatory changes?
With only 35% of textiles currently reused or recycled, the Dutch government is pushing for 50% by 2025 and 75% by 2030. This blog explains what the legislation means, who it applies to, and how your business can stay compliant.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) places responsibility on producers and importers for the full lifecycle of textiles, including the waste phase.
Under Netherlands Textiles EPR, businesses must:
For further background on EPR frameworks, see the
The EPR Textile Decree, effective from 1 July 2023, is a legal obligation.
It requires producers and importers to:
The regulation applies to:
It does not apply to:
If you fall under Netherlands Textiles EPR, you must:
Collection methods may include:
Producers have flexibility in how they manage take-back systems. Consumers must be able to return old textiles for free, either at collection points across the Netherlands or directly to the stores where they purchased them. What’s critical is that these systems are easy to access and clearly communicated.
Compliance includes strict reporting obligations:
Final reconciliation follows submission of actual figures.
Although responsibility is individual, producers can join a collective scheme such as the
These organisations:
While compliance is an individual obligation, producers can choose to join a producer collective. The UPV Textile Foundation works with municipalities, charities, recyclers, and innovation partners to coordinate collection and processing. It also helps invest part of the fees into high-quality recycling innovations and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
| Well under UPV | Not under UPV |
| Consumer clothing (61 and 62) | Shoes (64), bags, belts (42) (no textile products) |
| Work clothing (61 and 62) | Headgear (65) |
| Bed linen (6302) | Blankets (6301), bedspreads (6304) |
| Table linen (6302) | Net curtains, curtains and roller blinds (6303) |
| Household linen (6302), for example towels and tea towels | Bags (6305), tarpaulins, tents (6306), mops, dishclothes, cleaning cloths, dusters (6307) |
| Returned products (on the market) | Unsold inventories (not marketed) |
Major changes are coming. As part of the EU’s evolving circular economy strategy, shoes will fall under the scope of textile EPR from 2027. More regulatory updates are expected between 2025 and 2030 as part of the Netherlands’ second Circular Textiles Policy Programme.
The upcoming 2025–2030 circular textiles policy programme will introduce new requirements aligned with EU updates.
New categories will include:
The additions are shown in bold below:
| Product group(s) | Customer code(s) |
| Consumer clothing and corporate clothing | 61 and 62 |
| Bed linen, table linen, household linen | 6302 |
| Blankets and sleeping bags with the exception of quilted blankets, duvets, etc. | 6301 |
| Curtains, net curtains, roller blinds | 6303 |
| Other articles for upholstery except mattresses, quilted blankets, etc. | 6404 |
| Hats and headgear | 6504 and 6505 |
| Clothing and accessories of leather and imitations leather such as gloves, belts, trousers, jackets | 4203 |
| Footwear | 6401, 6402, 6403, 6404 and 6405 |
Eco-modulation will become mandatory:
For more on sustainable textile strategies, refer to
Netherlands Textiles EPR is not just a compliance exercise. It signals a shift toward a fully circular textile economy.
Businesses must:
Staying compliant with Netherlands Textiles EPR requires planning, data tracking, and strategic alignment.
Visit our Textiles Compliance page to understand your obligations in detail
Enquire about our Textile EPR Assessment Service for tailored compliance support
Explore our Textile Horizon Scanning Service to stay ahead of regulatory changes
Senior International Account Manager