French environmental tax on fast fashion takes effect

À compter d’aujourd’hui, une taxe écologique s’applique en France sur la mode ultra-rapide. Le pays entend ainsi freiner l’essor des boutiques en ligne chinoises telles que Shein, Temu ou AliExpress.

Increasing levy

The anti-fast-fashion legislation that France passed in June takes effect today. The country is explicitly targeting the ultra-cheap fashion offerings from Chinese platforms: the levy applies only to players that sell enormous quantities online each year. As a result, traditional fashion retailers such as Kiabi, H&M, and Zara are exempt from the measure.

The platforms in question will have to pay an environmental fee on each garment. The amount of this eco-tax will increase in the coming years and could reach up to 50% of the retail price. Currently, for example, it amounts to 50 cents for a pair of underwear, 9 euros for a pair of jeans, or 12 euros for a jacket. These amounts will rise to 2, 17, and 19.5 euros, respectively, by 2030.

This fee is in addition to the European parcel tax of 3 euros per package, which took effect in July. Furthermore, France has imposed additional restrictions: starting at the turn of the year, Chinese platforms will no longer be allowed to advertise, and influencers will no longer be permitted to promote clothing.