What requirements must home decoration and home textiles meet to be allowed on the European market?

To enter the European market, you must comply with both mandatory (legal) requirements and additional or niche requirements that your buyers may have. For home decoration and home textiles (HDHT), legal requirements mainly focus on consumer health and safety. Products should function well, with minimal risks. Social and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important, stimulated by new European Green Deal legislation. Rules and regulations are in constant development: something that makes you stand out today may be a legal requirement tomorrow.

1. What are the mandatory requirements for HDHT?

The European Union (EU) has various directives and regulations that apply to HDHT products. A single product often has to comply with several of them. Some laws apply to products across the sector, and some apply to specific product groups or materials.

General Product Safety Regulation

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, EU 2023/988) has replaced the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD, 2001/95/EC). It requires that non-food products marketed in the EU are safe to use, whether they are sold online or offline. For products subject to specific safety requirements by harmonised legislation (listed in Annex I of the Market Surveillance Regulation), the GPSR applies to aspects and risks that are not covered. To prove that your products are safe, you must perform a risk analysis and draw up the necessary technical documentation.

Article 6 of the GPSR provides a list of aspects to consider when assessing the safety of products. This includes assessing if a product is likely to be confused with foodstuff. Some decorative items look so much like food that consumers could mistake them for real edible products, such as candles that look like fruit. Because people (especially children) could be tempted to eat them, these food-imitating products pose a choking hazard. The GPSR bans such products from the market, replacing Directive 89/357/EEC on dangerous products resembling foodstuffs.

Unsafe products are rejected at the European border or withdrawn from the market. The EU uses the Safety Gate system to list and share information about these products. It provides information on the types of products, the risks posed, and measures taken at the national level to restrict or prevent their marketing.

Under the GPSR, non-EU products can only be placed on the market if an ‘economic operator’ in the EU is responsible for their safety. The Market Surveillance Regulation (EU 2019/1020) already required this for selected products (see Annex I). In business-to-business (B2B) trade, this is often the importer. For business-to-consumer (B2C) trade, you must contract an authorised representative or fulfilment service provider.

You should be aware that selling HDHT products directly to European consumers is challenging for most exporters from developing countries, as it can be complicated and costly. In addition to needing an EU-based ‘economic operator’, you are also responsible for other factors, like aftersales obligations and payment systems for consumer use.

Product Liability Directive

The Product Liability Directive (PLD – 85/374/EEC) gives consumers the right to compensation if a defective product causes damage to them or their property. The importer is liable, but they may pass a claim on to you. The Directive applies to all products used for private consumption that are marketed in the EU, with a minimum price of €500.

Restricted chemicals: REACH

The REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006) lists which chemicals are restricted in products that are marketed in Europe. It aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks that chemicals can pose. This is done through four processes: the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals. It applies to all products that contain chemical substances, such as furniture and textiles. What chemicals are relevant for you depends on your specific products and materials.

For example, REACH restricts the use of:

• Several azo dyes used particularly for textile products;
• Lead in paints and ceramics glazes;
• Cadmium compounds in various applications;
• Arsenic and creosotes as wood preservatives;
• Flame retardants, including TRIS, TEPA and PBB;
• Organostannic compounds and phthalates in PVC.

The list of restricted chemicals is regularly updated. The European Commission planned to revise and update REACH as a whole in 2023. Thus far, however, this has not been scheduled. The revision is intended to simplify communication in supply chains.

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

As part of the Green Deal, the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR – EU 2024/1781) entered into force in July 2024. It aims to ensure that products:

• Are designed to last longer;
• Are easier to reuse, repair and recycle;
• Incorporate recycled raw materials wherever possible.

The ESPR restricts single-use products, addresses the early (or premature) failure of products and bans the destruction of unsold durable goods. The regulation also introduces Digital Product Passports with information about the environmental sustainability of products, like durability and recycled content.

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

The Green Deal’s new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD – EU 2024/1760) requires larger companies to identify and – where necessary – prevent, end or reduce negative impacts of their activities on human rights and the environment. Both in the company’s own operations and in its value chains.

The CSDDD applies to:

• EU companies with 1000+ employees and a net turnover of €450+ million worldwide;
• Non–EU companies with a net turnover of €450+ million generated in the EU.

As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) from a developing country, your company is not within the scope of the CSDDD. However, your European buyers may be. This means that the new rules may apply to you indirectly through your buyers. Larger buyers will have to perform the required due diligence among their direct business partners, which may include you, as a supplier. The European Commission plans to publish guidelines to help companies conduct due diligence.

The CSDDD entered into force on 25 July 2024. The rules are set to apply according to a staggered approach, with the first group of companies starting on 26 July 2028 and full application being on 26 July 2029.

Forced Labour Regulation

Related to the CSDDD, the new Forced Labour Regulation (FLR – EU 2024/3015) bans all products made with forced labour (including child labour) from the EU market. If a company has complied with the forced labour requirements of the CSDDD, this will be considered in the assessment of its FLR compliance. The Commission will issue guidance on due diligence for forced labour, as well as information on risk indicators.

Complying with voluntary sustainability initiatives may help you to facilitate buyers’ due diligence processes.

Intellectual property rights

When you develop HDHT products for the European market, you have to make sure you do not copy an existing design. ‘Intellectual property’ (IP) is protected in Europe, and products that violate IP rights are banned from the market.

Packaging

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD – 94/62/EC) aims to prevent or reduce the impact of packaging and packaging waste on the environment. Buyers may therefore ask you to minimise the use of packaging and/or to use sustainable (recycled) materials.

The Plant Health Law (EU 2016/2031) also sets requirements for wood packaging materials used for transport, such as packing cases, boxes and pallets. The goal of this law is to prevent materials that are harmful to plants or plant products from entering and spreading within the EU. The law also regulates imports from third countries in line with international plant health standards. Keep this in mind when you decide on the packaging of your product.

Pending: Green Claims Directive

According to a recent screening of websites, half of green claims lack evidence. Via this so-called ‘greenwashing', companies pretend to be doing more for the environment than they really are. In 42% of the examined cases, the claims were believed to be exaggerated, false or deceptive and could qualify as unfair commercial practices.

In line with the Green Deal’s commitment to addressing false environmental claims, the European Commission has proposed a Green Claims Directive. The proposal aims to:

• Make green claims reliable, comparable and verifiable across the EU;
• Protect consumers from greenwashing;
• Contribute to creating a circular and green EU economy by enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions;
• Help establish a level playing field when it comes to the environmental performance of products.

Figure 1: EU measures to tackle greenwashing

Source: European Commission @ YouTube

From Timber Regulation to Deforestation Regulation

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR – EU 995/2010) aims to counter illegal logging by banning illegally harvested timber products from the EU market. This includes wooden furniture, frames and packing materials. European buyers have to exercise ‘due diligence’ to prove that any timber used in their products was harvested legally. You must be able to provide them with information like the tree species, the origin of the wood and proof of compliance with national laws and regulations. Products with a FLEGT license are exempt from the due diligence obligation.

The Green Deal’s new Deforestation Regulation (EUDR – EU 2023/1115) is set to replace the EUTR. This regulation will ensure that wooden products like furniture (listed in Annex I) do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. Operators who place these products on the EU market will be required to trace them back to the plot of land where they were produced.

In this context, ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to agricultural use. ‘Forest degradation’ means structural changes to forest cover – the conversion of primary forests or naturally regenerating forests into plantation forests or into other wooded land, or of primary forests into planted forests.

To be allowed onto the European market, covered products must be:

• Deforestation-free (from land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020);
• Produced in accordance with the law of the country of production;
• Covered by a due diligence statement.

Figure 2: EUDR requirements

Source: Deforestation Regulation/Globally Cool

The new regulation will also recognise FLEGT-licensed products. It came into force in June 2023, but its application has been postponed. The EUDR will now apply from 30 December 2025 for large and medium companies, and from 30 June 2026 for micro and small enterprises. For timber products produced before 29 June 2023, the EUTR will continue to apply until 31 December 2027.

In April 2025, the European Commission proposed simplifying the EUDR implementation via a Delegated Act on the scope of EUDR. For example, it proposes clarifying that the EUDR also applies to products listed under ‘Wood’ in Annex I if they are made solely of bamboo, rattan or other materials of woody nature. The Commission has also published a new guidance document and FAQ.

Wildlife Trade Regulations

The EU’s Wildlife Trade Regulations ensure that wildlife products only enter the EU market if they are of legal and sustainable origin. This includes products like timber and leather goods. These regulations enforce the rules of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They also go beyond the CITES requirements. For example, they include more species than the standard CITES list and set stricter import conditions.

Under the EUTR, products with a CITES licence are exempt from the due diligence obligation. The EUDR currently does not contain an exception for CITES-licensed products.

Textile Regulation

The Textile Labelling Regulation (EU 1007/2011) states that textile products must be labelled or marked, to ensure that consumers know what they are buying. It applies to all products that contain at least 80% (by weight) textile fibres. Their label should indicate the full fibre composition of the product and, if applicable, the presence of non-textile parts of animal origin. The label must be durable, easily legible, visible, accessible, and printed in all the official national languages of the European countries the product is sold in.

There is no EU legislation on the use of symbols for washing instructions and other care aspects of textile articles. To give consumers clear information, you should follow the ISO 3758:2023 standard for graphic symbols in care labelling.

Food Contact Materials Regulation

Food safety is a major concern in Europe. Safety measures also cover materials that come into (in)direct contact with food. These so-called food contact materials (FCMs) include HDHT products like dinnerware and cutlery. These have to comply with the Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC 1935/2004).

The regulation requires that FCMs:

• Do not release any substances they are composed of into food at levels harmful to human health;
• Do not change food composition, taste and odour in an unacceptable way.

FCMs must come with the words ‘for food contact’ or the ‘food safe’ symbol if their intended use as an FCM is not clear. Other information to ensure their safe use must also be provided where relevant. In addition, all FCMs must be manufactured in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on Good Manufacturing Practices.

FCM legislation also contains specific directives for items made of:

• Ceramics (84/500/EEC);
• Plastic (EU 10/2011), amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/351;
• Recycled plastic (EU 2022/1616).

These directives set out rules for the composition of these FCMs, permitted substances, and Specific Migration Limits (SMLs). Additional FCM legislation regulates the use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings (EU 2024/3190) and certain epoxy derivatives (1895/2005/EC). FCMs that pose health hazards are listed in the rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF).

Various aspects of the FCM legislation are being revised and/or amended. For example, the European Commission plans to lower lead and cadmium limits for ceramic FCMs following increasing concerns about their health effects. This initiative may also introduce limits for aluminium, arsenic, barium, cobalt, chromium and nickel, and expand the scope to include glass, crystal and enamelled metals. The Commission also plans to revise the FCM regulation as a whole. However, it remains uncertain when this proposal will be addressed formally.

CE marking for toys and energy-related products

The European Conformity (CE) marking signals that a product meets high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. However, it does not indicate that a product has been approved as safe. CE marking is mandatory for most products covered by the New Approach Directives, including toys and energy-related products. Adding CE marking to other products is forbidden.

When importing from non-EU countries, importers must ensure that products fully comply with all EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. If your product meets the requirements, you must draw up a Declaration of Conformity and the necessary technical documentation. You must then add the CE marking.

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment

The Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive (2012/19/EU) promotes the collection, treatment and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) at the end of their life. The WEEE label must be added to these products, including lamps and electrical toys. Your importer must register the product that they put on the market and mark it accordingly. The marking should be accessible, durable, legible and indelible.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive (2011/65/EU) also promotes the recyclability of EEE. It restricts the use of hazardous substances such as heavy metals and flame retardants that have safer alternatives. This directive is included in the CE marking requirements.

Single-Use Plastics Directive

The EU’s plastics strategy is transforming the way plastic products are designed, used, produced and recycled. The Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/204) bans selected single-use plastic products for which alternatives exist on the market. It includes products like single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and expanded polystyrene cups. Replacements must be made from biologically sourced materials that can be composted. This offers new opportunities for suppliers of bio-degradable alternatives for single-use plastics.

The plastics strategy also includes the Plastic Bags Directive (EU 2015/720), which aims to significantly reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. This offers opportunities for producers of reusable bags.

2. What additional requirements and certifications do buyers ask for in HDHT? 

Buyers often have additional requirements for sustainability, as well as for labelling and packaging. 

Voluntary sustainable initiatives

The importance of sustainability is reflected in a Maison&Objet Barometer from 2021, where 62% of HDHT retailers noticed growing interest from their customers in ethical products. Most of these retailers indicated that their customers think natural materials are (very) important, value socially responsible production methods, and care about recyclable/recycled materials.

You can highlight your sustainable activities and policies in the ‘story’ behind your product and company – in line with the proposed Green Claims Directive. Think of sustainable raw materials and production processes, as well as the impact your company has on the environment, the well-being of your workers, and the community. Buyers appreciate good storytelling to create an emotional connection with their customers.

To back up your story, a growing number of European buyers would like you to comply with: 

• Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI): an initiative of European retailers to improve social conditions in sourcing countries. They expect their suppliers to follow the BSCI Code of Conduct;
• Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI): an alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations. ETI aims to improve the working conditions in global supply chains via their ETI Base Code of labour practice;
• Sedex: a membership organisation striving to improve working conditions in global sourcing chains. The platform lets you share your sustainable performance, based on a self-assessment. Sedex’s SMETA audit can help you understand standards of labour, health and safety, environmental performance, and ethics within your operations.

You can also learn about sustainable options from certification standards such as ISO 14001 and SA8000. ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an effective environmental management system. SA8000 focuses on the fair treatment of workers, measuring social performance in 8 areas. You can use these standards as guidelines. They also enable certification, but most buyers do not require this.

If you adhere to voluntary sustainability initiatives and standards, this may help your buyers to comply with the new CSDDD and Forced Labour Regulation.

Crystalline Silica 

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) can cause lung cancer through inhalation. The ceramics industry mostly uses crystalline silica in the form of quartz and cristobalite. European buyers care about worker safety and may demand good handling of crystalline silica during the production of ceramics.

Labelling and packaging requirements 

The information on the outer packaging of your product should match the packing list sent to the importer.

Outer packaging labels should include:

• Producer name;
• Consignee name;
• Quantity;
• Size;
• Volume;
• Caution signs.

Your buyer will specify what information they need on the product labels or on the item itself, such as logos or ‘made in…’ information. This is part of the order specifications. In Europe, EAN or barcodes are commonly used on the product label. Labelling should be in English unless your buyer indicates otherwise. In addition, the Textile Regulation specifies legal requirements for the labelling of textile products.

When packaging your products for transport, you should comply with the importer’s order specifications. You also have to consider:

• How you can best prevent damage;
• What the optimal packaging dimensions and weight are;
• How you can minimise costs;
• What packaging material you should use;
• Whether you have to provide consumer packaging.

3. What are the requirements and requested certifications in the niche HDHT markets?

Niche markets in the HDHT sector are characterised by social and environmental sustainability, verified via internationally recognised systems. Table 1 lists the most commonly requested certifications and labels. These are particularly relevant in the mid-to-high-end market segments.

Table 1: Most important certifications and labels requested by European HDHT buyers

Source: Globally Cool

Fair trade

The concept of fair trade supports fair pricing and improved social conditions for producers and their communities. Fair-trade certification can give you a competitive advantage, especially if the production of your items is labour-intensive. It often includes aspects of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Common fair-trade labels include the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) Guarantee System and Fair for Life certification. However, simply complying with WFTO’s 10 Principles of Fair Trade is enough for most fair-trade-oriented buyers in Europe.

Figure 3: WFTO’s 10 Principles of Fair Trade

Source: WFTO

Sustainable wood

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is the most common label for sustainable wooden products, including paper. FSC chain of custody certification guarantees that a product’s source material comes from responsibly managed forests. These forests should be managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local workers and people. These products are especially popular in Western European markets. Non-timber forest products like rattan, bamboo, cork and forest-based fabrics can also be certified.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is another option. Like with FSC, the PEFC chain of custody certification verifies that the forest-based material in a product comes from sustainably managed forests.

Because these certification programmes are aligned with the EUTR, they can help you to show compliance. Both are committed to ensuring alignment with the new EUDR as well.

Sustainable textiles

Some of the most popular certifications for sustainable home textiles are:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – a textile-processing standard for organic fibres that ensures environmental and social responsibility throughout the production chain. Textile products containing ≥70% organic fibres can be GOTS-certified;
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 – certification that guarantees textile articles are free from harmful substances.

OEKO-TEX Made in Green combines STANDARD 100 and STeP to include environmental and social responsibility. Other options include the EU Ecolabel and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (used in the Nordic countries). The EU Ecolabel is awarded only to products with the lowest environmental impact in specific categories, such as textiles, furniture, stationery and soap. Nordic Swan certifies textile products, carpets and rugs, as well as candles, soap, chairs, outdoor furniture and toys.

Recycled materials

The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) is a standard for products containing recycled material. It has criteria for both environmentally friendly production and good working conditions. Its main aim is to reduce the harmful impact of production on people and the environment, and to provide assurance that materials in the final product have been actually recycled and sustainably processed.

Products containing ≥20% recycled material can be GRS-certified, but only if the entire production process is certified. If the end product is not produced in a GRS-certified factory, it may not carry a GRS quality mark. For consumer-facing labelling, the product must contain ≥50% recycled content. If you use GRS-certified material, you can highlight in your communication that this material is certified.

Similarly, the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is intended for products containing ≥5% recycled material. Unlike the GRS, the RCS does not address any social or environmental aspects of processing and manufacturing.

Ethical carpets

Several ethical initiatives focus specifically on the carpet industry:

• Care & Fair aims to combat illegal child labour and improve the situation of carpet-knotting families in India and Pakistan;
• GoodWeave works to end child labour in global supply chains, including the carpet industry in Bangladesh, India and Nepal;
• Label STEP focuses on fair trade and the well-being of weavers and workers in countries like Morocco and Nepal.

Globally Cool carried out this study in partnership with GO! GoodOpportunity and Remco Kemper on behalf of CBI.

Please review our market information disclaimer.