GFA Policy Matrix: Asia

Global Fashion Agenda is proud to introduce the GFA Policy Matrix: Asia, an evolving resource designed to map textile sustainability-related legislation across the region. Building on the success of the EU and Americas editions, it provides a clear a overview of policy developments, highlighting adopted measures, ongoing developments, and emerging regulatory trends.

The edition covers eight key manufacturing countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Vietnam. Together, they account for a significant share of the region’s textile production and play a a critical role in global supply chains and sustainability outcomes.

Alongside long-standing labour and environmental legislation, the region is seeing a rise in textile-specific strategies, circular economy initiatives, and targeted sustainability regulations, reflecting a rapidly evolving policy landscape and the increasing recognition of textiles as a strategic sector for social and environmental transitions.

Explore the full report and learn more about the regulatory developments shaping the region.

Download the GFA Policy Matrix: Asia

GFA continues to closely monitor the global evolution of fashion legislation through GFA’s Policy Matrix: Americas and EU editions, offering more clarity and updates on emerging and existing legislation. Since the last review, these are the key updates:

GFA Policy Matrix: EU

• On 5 March 2026, the Council adopted the amended European Climate Law, setting a binding 2040 climate target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. The amendment to the European Climate Law was published in the EU Official Journal on 11 March 2026 and entered into force in April 2026, strengthening the EU’s long-term climate framework and trajectory towards climate neutrality.

• The call for evidence on the Forced Labour Guidelines closed on 6 March 2026, following its launch by the European Commission on 6 February 2026. It aimed to gather stakeholder input on the development of guidelines aimed at ensuring a predictable and smooth implementation of the rules, while minimising administrative and business burdens. The Regulation on Forced Labour, which aims to prohibit products made with forced labour on the EU market, mandates the Commission to issue these guidelines by 14 June 2026.

• On 17 March 2026, the Council adopted conclusions on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy recognising the significant potential of the bioeconomy in replacing fossil-based materials and products, supporting job creation, and driving the global transition towards clean and sustainable industries.

• Originally scheduled for publication on 18 March 2026, the European Commission has postponed the release of the European Innovation Act, aiming to remove barriers to bringing innovative ideas to market across all sectors, including by enhancing access to finance, talent and infrastructure. No new publication date has been confirmed at this stage.

• EU Member states had until 27 March 2026 to incorporate the Empowering Consumers Directive’s rules into their national law. The measures, which aim to support more sustainable purchasing decisions by enhancing transparency on product durability and reparability and prohibiting misleading environmental claims, will apply from 27 September 2026.

• On 30 March 2026, the European Commission issued a guidance document on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which aims to reduce packaging waste volumes and make all packaging on the EU market recyclable by 2030. The guidance aims to ensure the uniform application of the new packaging rules across the EU, clarifying areas requiring additional interpretation. Further guidance will be provided through regularly updated FAQs, addressing practical issues raised by stakeholders.

Download the GFA Policy Matrix EU

GFA Policy Matrix: Americas

• On 5 April 2026, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment published a decree implementing Peru’s comprehensive framework for the management of chemical substances. The decree establishes a full life-cycle and risk-based system that will significantly transform how chemical substances are evaluated, reported and regulated throughout their use and market placement. With this step, Peru becomes the fourth country in Latin America to adopt a REACH-inspired regulatory model, alongside Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Explore the latest additions to the GFA Policy Matrix Americas, including the Colombian Mandatory Human Rights Framework for Companies, the Brazilian National Framework Law on Human Rights and Business and the Mexican Draft Decree to Establish Sustainability and Traceability Labeling for Textiles, Footwear, Clothing, and Accessories.

Download the GFA Policy Matrix Americas

Disclaimer: The GFA Policy Matrix is an independent resource developed by Global Fashion Agenda. The information provided does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, a comprehensive overview of all relevant legislation. It reflects GFA’s views and is shared for informational purposes only.