France Implements Eco-Score Labeling for Clothing from October 1

Implementation of Eco-Score Labeling System France has published enforcement decrees and ministerial orders for clothing eco-score labeling on September 9, with the "environmental cost" eco-score system taking effect as voluntary labeling from October 1. The regulatory proposal received approval from the European Commission in May, aiming to encourage more conscious consumer choices while incentivizing manufacturers to adopt eco-design initiatives. Target Categories and Excluded Items Target categories include underwear, socks, shirts/blouses, jeans, dresses/skirts, swimwear, coats/jackets, trousers/shorts, sweaters, and T-shirts/polo shirts, covering most clothing items. However, items such as bras and down jackets are excluded as reference values have not been established. Environmental Impact Assessment through Ecobalyse Tool The eco-score is calculated using the "Ecobalyse" tool, developed as open source by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Oceans and Fisheries and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). It adds French-specific criteria including microfiber emissions, used clothing exports outside Europe, repair incentives, and fast fashion coefficients to the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) 16 criteria. System Creation Based on Climate Action Law The eco-score introduction was established in Article 2 of the Climate Action and Resilience Enhancement Law published in August 2021. Initially planned as mandatory labeling, it was modified to voluntary labeling at the implementation stage to obtain European Commission approval. Lower points indicate lower environmental impact, and both overall product and per-100-gram points are displayed to enable comparison with other products. Furniture and cosmetics are planned to be covered in the future.