Sweden Delays Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear


Posted March 10, 2021 by BenChristie

A look at the postponement of Sweden’s new chemical tax on clothing and footwear.

 
In October 2020, the Swedish government announced it was postponing the implementation of its new chemical tax for clothing and footwear until 2022. The decision follows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First announced in May 2020, the tax is designed to phase out the use of hazardous chemicals in clothing and footwear. It is hoped the tax will have three effects:

1. Reduce human health problems from exposure to the chemicals
2. Reduce environment impact arising from manufacture, washing and waste
3. Improve the quality of recycled materials

Except for certain protective clothing and toys, the tax will be applied to all clothing and footwear that are produced or imported into Sweden. In general, a tax rate of SEK 40 per kilogram of the product’s weight will be applied. A reduction of up to 95% of the tax may be available, depending on the chemical content.

Products that contain rubber materials, polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane may incur an additional tax of SEK 19 per kilogram. There is also another possible additional tax of SEK 19 per kilogram for all-weather products.

The tax will be liable on taxable products manufactured or imported into Sweden from other EU countries. The party liable to pay taxes on imported products will be the party that would have been liable to pay customs duties. Clothing and footwear involved in distance sales from other EU countries to Sweden will also be liable.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Update: Sweden Proposes Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear in 2022 SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2021/03/safeguards-02621-update-sweden-proposes-chemical-tax-on-clothing-and-footwear-in-2022]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
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Issued By Ben Christie
Phone +441892711240
Business Address 1, Mons Calpe, Chitcombe Road, Broad Oak
Country United Kingdom
Categories Consumer , Fashion , Manufacturing
Tags chemical tax , clothing tax , footwear tax , sgs , sweden
Last Updated March 10, 2021