Geneva (July 3, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 088.25 to highlight the European Union’s adoption of Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) Version 3.1 for apparel and footwear.

Approved on May 14, 2025, the new rules provide a standardized methodology for life cycle assessment (LCA) across 13 apparel and footwear categories. Developed under the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) initiative, PEFCR v3.1 supports compliance with the upcoming Green Claims Directive and evolving eco-design requirements.

The new framework introduces stricter data requirements and updated metrics for recycled content, durability and repairability. It also features a revised circular footprint formula, a fiber fragment module to assess microplastic emissions and limits on comparative product claims to promote fair and transparent communication.

By aligning with PEFCR, companies can improve the accuracy of environmental assessments, reduce impacts and enhance credibility in sustainability reporting.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed of important regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 088.25 summarizes the EU’s official adoption of standardized environmental impact rules for apparel and footwear under PEFCR Version 3.1.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review SafeGuardS 088.25 for full details on the new version of the PEFCR.

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 EU Officially Approves PEFCR Version 3.1 for Apparel and Footwear SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/06/safeguards-08825-eu-officially-approves-pefcr-version-3-1-for-apparel-and-footwear]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. Min Zhu
Connectivity & Products - Softlines
Senior Director, Technical Services & Operations, US & Canada
Tel: +19734611230
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).