Sustainable clothing and slow fashion in the global circular economy

Did you know that the EU imports around 26 kg of textiles per person per year? And around 11 kg are thrown away? That clothes are usually only worn 7 or 8 times? The EU is working on an EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles (see European Parliament resolution, published in the Official Journal on 21.12.2023), as textiles have the fourth highest negative impact on the climate and the environment, after food, housing and mobility. This article invites you to reflect on what can/ needs to be done in customs area to contribute to the EU's and global sustainability objectives. For example, whether customs tariffs or preferential rules of origin promote the circular economy, i.e. the import of used textiles for reuse or recycling and other sustainable options.