OJEU: Delegated regulation establishing derogations from the ban on the destruction of unsold products

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/296, adopted on 09/02/2026, supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 by specifying the derogations to the ban on the destruction of unsold consumer textile products, applicable from 19/07/2026.

The text authorises destruction in limited cases, where justified. This applies first and foremost to products presenting a health or safety risk, where no other measure is possible. Destruction is also permitted in cases of non-compliance with EU or national law, including on ethical grounds such as forced labour. Destruction may also be required in the event of infringement of intellectual property rights or contractual obligations, such as licences limiting marketing over time.

Derogations also apply when reuse or repackaging is technically impossible, in particular to remove protected elements (logos, trademarks), or when the products pose cultural, ethical or societal difficulties.

Finally, destruction is authorised for products damaged, contaminated or deteriorated during the supply chain or after return, if repair is not technically feasible or economically…