EU Framework Regulation for Setting Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Products (ESPR)

Aug. 2 2024

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which entered into force on 18 July 2024, aims to significantly improve the circularity, energy performance and other environmental sustainability aspects of products placed on the EU market. Products in scope are expanded from the current energy related products to virtually all consumer products including textiles, apparel and footwear; tires; construction materials and more as well as energy related products as currently in scope.

The ecodesign requirements will take the form of:

Performance requirements: e.g., durability, reusability, repairability, energy efficiency, recyclability, and carbon and environmental footprints) and/or

Information requirements: information must be made available for product performance as above; for customers on how to use, maintain, and repair products; for treatment facilities on disassembly, reuse, refurbishment, recycling, or disposal; as well as other information that could influence product choice by customers.

CE marking

Importers of products under scope, including textile, apparel and footwear, are required to ensure that the products they place on the market comply with the requirements of ESPR and that the CE marking and documentation drawn up by manufacturers are available for inspection by the competent national authorities.

The CE marking shall be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the product. Where that is not possible or not warranted on account of the nature of the product, it shall be affixed to the packaging and to the accompanying documents.

The CE marking shall be affixed before the product is placed on the market or put into service.

For a product in the production control phase in which a notified body participates, the CE marking shall be followed by the identification number of that notified body.

The identification number of the notified body shall be affixed by the body itself or, under its instructions, by the manufacturer or its authorised representative.

The CE marking and, where applicable, the identification number of the notified body may be followed by a pictogram or other marking indicating a special risk or use.

Member States shall build upon existing mechanisms to ensure correct application of the regime governing the CE marking and take appropriate action in the event of improper use of the CE marking.

Digital Product Passport (DPP)

The ESPR will introduce a DPP, a digital identity card for products, components, and materials, which will store relevant information to support products’ sustainability, promote their circularity and strengthen legal compliance.

Rules to address destruction of unsold consumer products

Many unsold products in the EU are simply destroyed, a practice that wastes valuable resources. For the first time in the EU, the ESPR introduces measures to address this practice, by introducing a ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, and opening the way for similar bans in other sectors, if evidence shows they are needed.

Current Understanding on Timeline (as at July-24)

July 18, 2024: The ESPR will enter into force
- 2025: Delegated acts will begin to introduce detailed requirements, with the first expected around Q2
2026: Large enterprises will be prohibited from destroying unsold footwear and textiles, and the first delegated act is expected to take effect around Q4
2027: All apparel products on the EU market must fully comply with ESPR requirements
2028: Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will become mandatory

More information:

Discover the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation Video: Click Here
Information on the repeal and transition of the current Ecodesign for energy-related products Directive: Click Here

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