California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707) marks a major shift for the apparel industry as it is the first extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for textiles in the United States. While the law introduces long-term changes to how textile waste is managed, the most immediate concern for businesses is the July 1, 2026 registration deadline.
By that date, companies defined as “producers” under the law must register with the current state-approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Landbell USA, to continue selling covered textile products in California. Missing the deadline could lead to compliance issues, financial penalties, or even restrictions on selling into the state.
Who Needs to Register?
SB 707 applies broadly to “producers,” a category that can include brands, manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, or sellers, depending on how a product is made and brought to market. Any business that controls a brand or places finished textile products into California should be closely evaluating whether it falls under this definition. This may include apparel decorators that sell directly to the public under their own brand or private label, as they could be considered the entity responsible for placing the product on the market.
What Products are Covered?
The law covers two main categories, apparel and textile articles.
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Key exclusions include products already covered under other California stewardship programs such as mattresses, e-waste, and carpets, as well as military and certain health or environmental Personal Protective Equipment. The law also exempts secondhand-only sellers and smaller producers those defined as having less than $1 million in annual global sales, including affiliates. Products made primarily of non-textile materials such as foam, rubber, or plastic may fall outside its scope even if they appear on the covered list.
What This Means for Apparel Decorators
As the deadline approaches, decorators may see an increase in requests for detailed product information. Customers preparing for registration may need documentation such as fiber content, country of origin, supplier identification, and decoration methods. They may also ask whether inks, threads, transfers, or other added materials could impact a garment’s ability to be reused, repaired, or recycled.
In addition to textile EPR requirements under SB 707, apparel decorators should also be aware that business-to-business (B2B) packaging may fall under California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which establishes separate compliance obligations for packaging materials entering the state.
Whether or not a decorator is directly regulated, the registration deadline is already driving new expectations across the market. Businesses that are prepared with clear product data, strong supplier communication, and an understanding of their role in the supply chain will be better positioned not just to meet customer needs, but to adapt as textile EPR requirements continue to evolve.
In this article, Sara Osorio, Manager, EHS & Sustainability, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses California’s textile EPR state law. More information on sustainability can be found at Business Excellence-EHS Affairs, or reach out to Sara directly if you have questions about how these issues may affect your business: sosorio@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.
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