Swedish Government Abandons Proposed Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear Products


Posted October 12, 2021 by BenChristie

A look at the repeal of Sweden’s proposed chemical tax on clothing and footwear.

 
The Swedish government has announced the abandoning of its proposed chemical tax on clothing and footwear due to practical difficulties associated with its introduction.

The tax was originally going to be introduced in April 2021, before being postponed until January 1, 2022, because of the pandemic. It was to be applied to all clothing and footwear manufactured or imported into Sweden and was intended as a driver to force the phasing out of hazardous substances. It was hope this would reduce health issues for consumers and the impact on the environment caused by manufacturing, washing and waste. It was also hoped it would improve the quality of recycled materials.

Following further reassessment, the planned tax introduction has now been abandoned. This is because:

• Changes to Swedish customs rules have created difficulties in imposing the tax for private imports from countries outside the EU
• It is now considered inappropriate to impose a new tax on clothing and footwear during as global economic downturn, and at a time when the apparel industry is undergoing structural reforms
• New and planned rules for hazardous substances covered by the proposed tax have reduced the need for tax collection

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct 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. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. 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 Sweden Repeals Proposal for Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear Products SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2021/09/safeguards-13621-sweden-repeals-proposal-for-chemical-tax-on-clothing-and-footwear-products]

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
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
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Issued By Ben Christie
Phone +441892711240
Business Address 1, Mons Calpe
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Country United Kingdom
Categories Apparel , Consumer , Manufacturing
Tags chemical tax , clothing , footwear , sgs , sweden
Last Updated October 12, 2021