Chapter 4 — full chapter
4.1.1 Know What Kind of Instrument You Are Using
Fashion sustainability language often mixes instruments that do different jobs. Before using a requirement, logo or claim, identify what it is, who issued it, whether it is mandatory, what scope it covers, and how conformity is demonstrated.
Table 3.1. Different instruments, different functions
| Instrument | What it does | Practical question |
|---|---|---|
| Policy or strategy | Sets public direction and priorities but does not, by itself, create every product-level obligation described in the vision. | Which binding acts will implement it, and when? |
| EU regulation | Applies directly across EU Member States, although delegated or implementing acts may still be needed for specific requirements. | Does it apply to this product, company size, and date? |
| EU directive | Sets results Member States must achieve through national law, so implementation and enforcement need to be checked by market. | How has the destination country transposed it? |
| Technical standard | Provides agreed specifications, definitions, or test methods. It is usually voluntary unless legislation, a contract or a scheme makes it relevant. | Which version and test method apply? |
| Certification or verified label | Uses defined criteria and an assessment process to verify a product, material, facility, process or management system within a stated scope. | Exactly what is certified, by whom, and until when? |
| Membership, rating or improvement programme | Supports due diligence, benchmarking, tools or performance improvement but may not certify a product claim. | What evidence does participation actually provide? |