The Textile Pro Forum says its analysis shows significant differences in registration, reporting and invoicing standards for textile producers across the European continent.
The study, titled Toward harmonised Textile EPR Systems in Europe: analysis and recommendations, is compiled by Workstream 1 of the Textile PRO Forum and involving contributions from 12 Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) in 11 countries.
It examines the varied requirements faced by textile producers and compares how different countries approach producer registration, reporting of products on the market, payment procedures and the use of digital systems.
The research reveals that each country has adopted its own approach, leading to a fragmented regulatory landscape.
Methods for producer registration can involve online portals, direct engagement with PROs, or public authority-run systems, while the frequency of reporting ranges from monthly to annual submissions.
Further divergence exists in how data on products placed on the market is reported, how product categories are defined, and in invoicing practices.
Stakeholders noted that this lack of alignment increases the administrative burden for textile companies operating in several European markets. Complexities are particularly pronounced for small and medium enterprises, cross-border sellers, and businesses engaged in online trade.
The current situation not only complicates compliance for businesses but also hampers data comparability and presents enforcement challenges for national authorities.
Among the priority areas for alignment identified in the analysis are the development of a common EU-aligned dataset for registration, streamlined reporting calendars, clarified rules for producer identification and the potential for simplified reporting for smaller producers.
The report also points to the need for more predictable invoicing and payment rules, as well as interoperable digital systems to support administrative processes.
Harmonisation should not override national variations entirely, the Forum argues. Instead, it says European countries should establish a shared foundation of rules and standards to support coherent implementation across the continent.
The findings of the study will be on the agenda at the upcoming Textile PRO Forum plenary meeting, where member organisations are expected to review the progress of current work and discuss further steps towards guidance and recommendations.
“Textile EPR is becoming a reality across Europe, but implementation must be workable for producers and effective for authorities," said EURATEX policy officer Anais De Bergeyck.
"This analysis shows that harmonisation is not an abstract policy goal; it is a practical necessity to reduce administrative burden, improve data quality and support a well-functioning Single Market.”
