Spain’s textile EPR: A bold step toward sustainability

This blog explores Spain’s draft textile EPR decree and what it means for producers of clothing, footwear, and related goods. Learn about key obligations, affected product categories, and how to prepare for compliance under this landmark regulation.


Textiles

A turning point for textiles in Spain

Is your business ready for the Spain textile EPR decree?
Spain has officially signalled a new era for circular fashion and waste reduction. On 23 June 2025, the Spanish government published its Draft Royal Decree on textile and footwear waste, a move that introduces a comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and could reshape the entire textile value chain.

The Spain textile EPR decree places financial and organisational responsibility on producers to ensure their products are collected, sorted, reused, and recycled after use, going well beyond the requirements seen in other EU countries.

What does the draft decree require?

Spain’s proposal introduces one of the broadest scopes of textile EPR in Europe to date. Here’s what it covers:

  • Who is obligated?
    Producers are defined to include manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online sellers, whether they operate within Spain or abroad. Even digital platforms and logistics providers have specified roles.
  • What products are included?
    The decree covers more than just typical clothing and footwear. It includes:

    • Textile-based apparel
    • Footwear
    • Leather goods
    • Waterproof clothing
    • And other textile-related accessories
  • What are the obligations?
    All producers must:

    • Join or create a Collective EPR Scheme
    • Register with the national Registry of Product Producers
    • Report annually on products placed on the Spanish market
    • Fund the full cost of:
      • Collection
      • Sorting
      • Recycling
      • Public awareness initiatives
  • Eco-modulation in action
    Producers’ financial contributions will be adjusted based on product durability, design choices, and environmental performance, aligning with eco-modulation principles seen in France and other countries.

Learn more about EPR in France

Why this matters for producers

With textile waste volumes rising due to fast fashion and declining product lifespans, this legislation aims to:

  • Cut landfill and incineration rates
  • Boost reuse and recycling
  • Involve local social economy organisations in reuse schemes
  • Encourage more sustainable product design and business models

If your business places textile or footwear products on the Spanish market, this draft decree will likely require significant operational changes, including legal compliance, supply chain transparency, and data management upgrades.

How to prepare for textile EPR in Spain

Understanding your obligations early will be crucial. Companies should begin:

  • Mapping their product lines and supply chains
  • Auditing product volumes sold into Spain
  • Reviewing packaging and product design for durability
  • Budgeting for waste management contributions
  • Exploring participation in Collective EPR Schemes

You may also want to compare this with Textile EPR in the Netherlands, which already includes environmental modulation and similar reporting requirements.

Conclusion: Get ahead of the change

Spain’s draft decree marks a decisive shift toward circularity, holding producers accountable for the environmental footprint of textile and footwear products. While the regulation is still in draft form, the direction is clear: sustainability is no longer optional, it’s expected.

Need help navigating textile EPR?

Our International Textiles team is here to support you.

  • Get clarity on your obligations
  • Prepare for registration and reporting
  • Evaluate how Spain’s rules compare with other EU schemes

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