Today, the EU Council has officially approved the latest legislative proposal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), a pivotal element of the EU's Green Deal. For more details, please see the EU Council’s official press release here.

The ESPR aims to enhance product sustainability by mandating that products are durable, reusable, repairable, and energy efficient. It introduces requirements for a Digital Product Passport (DPP), providing comprehensive environmental impact information, thus promoting transparency, and facilitating easier repairs and recycling. The ESPR also bans the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, targeting the fast fashion industry and promoting greater social and environmental responsibility. New design requirements ensure products are created with longevity and sustainability in mind, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. Overall, the ESPR aims to strengthen consumer protection and to drive innovation and competitiveness among EU manufacturers, fostering the production of more sustainable products. Covering a broad range of products, the ESPR grants the EU Commission authority to set specific eco-design standards for high impact categories.

Businesses must comply with new performance and information requirements, including repair information provision and the prevention of premature obsolescence. Non-compliance could lead to significant penalties, with Member States determining specific sanctions.

Upon the EU Council’s approval, the legislative act has now been formally adopted. Once the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council sign it, the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is set to take effect 20 days after publication and will be applicable 24 months thereafter.

For detailed insights and tailored legal advice on how the ESPR impacts your business, contact our regulatory experts.

Contact person: Bobby Arash