New Environment Agency (EA) rules for exporting second-hand textiles risk undermining the export market, warned the Textile Recycling Association (TRA).

Article re-shared from Let’s Recycle:

Author: Savannah Coombe

Exporters operating under Article 18 controls are now being required to provide evidence demonstrating that receiving facilities are legally able to accept textile waste and recover it in an environmentally sound manner.

TRA members have reportedly faced issues with the practical implementation of the guidelines, especially where such documentation does not exist in export destinations.

TRA Chief Executive Alan Wheeler said: “What we are experiencing in England provides a very current warning about unintended consequences.

“The objective is understandable, but regulatory requirements have to reflect the systems and documentation that actually exist in destination countries.

“Trade with important markets such as India and Pakistan is being seriously disrupted and this now needs to be resolved urgently.”

Following the reports of disruption to the trade, which already faces severe difficulties, the TRA has requested urgent engagement with the Agency.

The EA has advised that the matter is being considered internally and that it will provide further information on next steps.

Wheeler added: “We need effective regulation, but it must address evidenced problems. We should not inadvertently damage the collection, sorting, reuse and recycling systems that are already part of the solution.”

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