Türkiye
The Turkish Textile Industry and the DPP
How the Digital Product Passport affects Türkiye's textile exports to the EU — buyer demands, data gaps, competitive risk and readiness priorities.
Textiles and apparel are among the largest lines in Türkiye's exports to the EU, and one of ESPR's priority product groups. Put those two facts together and the conclusion is clear: for the Turkish textile sector, the DPP is a market access issue before it is a compliance issue.
Why the risk is data, not quality
Turkish manufacturers are competitive on technical capability and delivery. But new supplier selection criteria include "can supply sustainability data" — and a manufacturer that cannot can drop off the shortlist despite competitive quality and price.
See what retailers ask suppliers for and the textile DPP guide.
The most common data gaps
| Field | Held by | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Country of fibre origin | Spinner (tier-3) | High |
| Fabric production facility | Weaving/knitting (tier-2) | Medium |
| Dye and finish chemistry | Dyehouse (tier-2) | High |
| Recycled content evidence | Tier-2/3 plus certificates | High |
| Water and energy consumption | Dyehouse | Very high |
See tier-2 and tier-3 transparency and textile DPP data points.
Quick wins
- Fix fibre composition records. Labelling law already requires it, yet internal records are often less detailed than the label.
- Structure your certificates. Move GOTS, GRS and OEKO-TEX evidence out of a PDF archive into fields.
- Code your facility identities. Use a GLN or standard facility identity instead of a postal address.
- Pilot on one product family. See a 90-day DPP pilot.
The destruction ban effect
The ban on destroying unsold textiles and footwear applies to large companies since 19 July 2026. That changes overstock management on the brand side — and reaches suppliers through order quantities, return terms and outlet channels. See the destruction ban.
Support schemes
Exporter associations and national programmes can fund consultancy, certification and software under digitalisation and green transition headings. See export incentives for SMEs.
Frequently asked questions
I am a contract manufacturer — isn't this the brand's responsibility?
Legal responsibility may sit with the brand, but you generate the data. In practice the contract manufacturer fills most of the passport.
My buyer has not asked yet. Can I wait?
Data collection takes three to nine months. Starting when the request lands creates order risk.
I am a small garment maker. Can I afford this?
A pilot limited to one product family can be done for a few thousand euros plus a few weeks of internal effort. See the SME guide.
