Sweden to impose tax on harmful chemicals in clothing and shoes

European brands are being urged to give their views on Swedish government proposals to introduce a tax on potentially harmful chemicals in clothing and shoes.

The proposed tax would be aimed to reducing the risk of consumers, workers and the environment being exposed to dangerous substances.

Sweden introduced a tax on chemicals in electronic products in 2017, despite opposition from business, and now looks set to extend the system to cover clothes and shoes.

However, the state-owned RISE Research Institutes of Sweden is concerned about the proposed tax and the damage it could do to the industry.

It fears the level of the ‘green’ tax – which has not yet been determined – could be so high that companies could even pull out of the Swedish market.

RISE claims the Swedish government lacks understanding of the textile industry and supply chains, and the way in which garments are produced and manufactured.

It is putting together a response to the proposal and is especially interesting in the thoughts and opinions of European brands.

Companies are invited to submit their thoughts on the implications of such a tax in Sweden and whether it could make them pull out of Sweden.

The Swedish government has launched an investigation into the proposed tax to determine which potential harmful chemicals and which products should be covered.

It will also consider how high the tax should be to reduce exposure to, and eventually phase out, harmful chemicals in clothing and shoes and how it should be implemented.

Courtesy: Eco Textile News