French Senate approves bill to regulate ultra fast-fashion
The French Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation aimed at regulating the ultra fast-fashion industry. The bill specifically targets Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu while imposing stricter environmental standards on the rapidly growing sector.
The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill with 337 votes in favour and only one against.
The legislation, which was voted unanimously by France's lower house in March 2024, still has to be approved by a joint commission in the autumn.
The French Minister for ecological transition, Agnes Pannier-Runacher,, called it "a major step in the fight against the economic and environmental impact of fast fashion".
The bill introduces an "eco-score" system that will impose penalties on companies with poor environmental performance. Those receiving the lowest scores face taxes of up to five euros per product in 2025, rising to 10 euros by 2030, with a cap of 50 percent of the product's original price.
Additionally, the legislation would ban fast fashion advertising and impose sanctions on influencers who promote such products.
Companies will be required to inform customers about the environmental impact of their purchases.
It will also introduce a special tax on packages imported from outside the EU and ban free returns.
The Senate's version distinguishes between "ultra" fast fashion and traditional fast fashion, effectively targeting Asian platforms while providing for European brands like Zara, H&M, and Kiabi to be treated more leniently.
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:French legislation to rein in fast fashion faces crucial test in SenateDenim returns to its roots in southern French town of NimesTraders reeling as fire destroys Ghana's largest clothes market
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