France to impose huge fines on fast-fashion

The French parliament has approved a bill that wants to impose heavy fines on fast-fashion – up to ten euros per piece by 2030. The proceeds should help offset the environmental damage caused.

Ten euros each

The Assembly almost unanimously approved a bill to make the importation of cheap, often low-quality fast-fashion much less attractive. If the Senate also approves the proposal, France could introduce a fine per item of clothing, which would gradually rise to ten euros in six years’ time.

There will also be an advertising ban on social and traditional media. This should help consumers take responsibility and choose better products, Ecological Transition Minister Christophe Béchu explained. The proposal also aims to strengthen the position of French and European textile producers.

Ban on waste exports

Unsurprisingly, Shein – one of the main targets of the law – reacted very dismissively to the French move. In a statement to Reuters, the company said it only produces to meet an existing demand, keeping the proportion of unsold clothes consistently low. As a result, they would produce far less waste than traditional players. According to Shein, the only effect would therefore be that the purchasing power of French consumers would deteriorate.

On top of this national bill, France is also working on European measures against fast-fashion. For instance, it wants to ban the export of unsold garments, to be dumped in Africa or South America, for example.