France Introduces Fees on Low-Priced Apparel
France has implemented an ambitious plan to tax ultra-fast fashion in an effort to reduce pollution and textile waste. The initiative imposes a €5 charge on each low-cost clothing item sold, set to double to €10 by 2030. The tax rate will depend on how environmentally responsible a brand’s production process is, and it will be limited to 50% of the product’s pre-tax value. The policy also requires new labeling that displays each garment’s environmental impact, helping shoppers make more sustainable choices.
EU Moves to End Import Exemptions for Online Retailers
The European Commission is advancing proposals to tighten import rules for budget fashion sold by online platforms outside the bloc. Plans include scrapping the existing tax exemption for imported goods priced under €150 and adding a €2 handling fee on every parcel entering the EU. Officials say the measures aim to reduce the flood of inexpensive imports, ensure fair competition for European manufacturers, and hold foreign retailers to the same environmental obligations as local brands.
Countries Promote Repair, Recycling, and Reuse
Several EU member states are complementing these financial penalties with incentives to extend the lifespan of clothing. Sweden has cut value-added tax on repair services, while the Netherlands has launched programs to encourage consumers to mend rather than replace garments. Spain, meanwhile, is requiring fashion companies to contribute to nationwide recycling and textile collection efforts. Collectively, these reforms reflect a growing European commitment to slowing fast fashion’s environmental impact and building a more sustainable industry model.
