Navigate California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707) with our expert FAQ. Learn about obligated producer status, the July 1, 2026 deadline, and PRO registration.
The landscape of textile manufacturing and retail in California has officially moved from "policy" to "execution." With SB 707, also known as the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, entering its operational phase, producers must understand their role in this new circular economy.
If you are an obligated brand owner, importer, or retailer selling apparel or textile articles in California, the clock is ticking toward a critical legal milestone.
The Most Important Date: July 1st
Let’s start with the non-negotiable: All obligated producers must register with the official Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by July 1, 2026. On February 27, 2026, CalRecycle officially selected Landbell USA as the single approved PRO for SB 707. Failure to join Landbell USA by this deadline will result in non-compliance and potential violations under California law. Registration is live now and takes only 5 to 10 minutes at https://register.landbellusa.com/.
Watch the Full FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Because SB 707 is the first law of its kind in the nation, we hosted an in-depth FAQ session to address the specific concerns we've heard from producers across our network. We highly encourage you to watch the full video for expert insights from Patrick Gibbs (Executive Director of Landbell USA) and Iva Lea Aurer (Senior Environmental Compliance Manager at H2 Compliance).
WATCH THE Q&A
The interview covers a wide range of topics sourced directly from producers, including:
SB 707 & EPR Basics: A legislative recap and a deep dive into what Extended Producer Responsibility actually means for your bottom line.
The PRO Selection: Why a PRO is necessary and the specific role Landbell USA plays in managing California's textile stewardship.
Defining "Producer": A breakdown of the liability hierarchy to determine if your company is the one responsible for registration.
Product Scope & Exemptions: What counts as a "covered product" (apparel vs. textiles) and who qualifies for the $1 million revenue exemption.
Marketplace Rules: Essential clarity on whether platforms like Amazon and Walmart will register on your behalf.
Financial Obligations: Details on the initial $1,000 registration fee and a look ahead at when full volume-based program fees kick in.
The 2027 Needs Assessment: Why this upcoming study is the foundation for the future of the program.
Key Highlights for Obligated Producers
Are You an Obligated Producer?
The obligation generally follows a hierarchy: the Brand Owner (if they have a US presence), followed by the Importer, and finally the Retailer. If your global annual aggregate turnover is less than $1 million, or if you exclusively sell secondhand/vintage goods, you are currently exempt.
Financial Realities
For the 2026–2027 cycle, registration requires a flat annual fee of $1,000. These funds support the development of the producer portal and the Statewide Needs Assessment. In the future (targeted for 2030), fees will shift to an eco-modulated model, where products designed for durability and recycling will receive reduced rates.
Action Item: Ensure your brand stays compliant. Visit Landbell USA to complete your registration before the July 1st deadline, and check the timestamps in the video to jump to the questions most relevant to your business.
