French Senate Passes Ultrafast Fashion Regulation Bill

The French Senate has approved a revised bill targeting ultra-fast fashion platforms, especially Chinese companies Shein and Temu, to address the environmental and economic consequences of mass-produced, inexpensive clothing. The legislation introduces eco-taxes on imported parcels and an eco-score system to evaluate the environmental impact of garments, with penalties increasing to €10 per item by 2030 and a ban on advertising for the targeted brands. European companies such as Zara and H&M are mostly exempt from the strictest measures, prompting criticism that the bill has shifted from environmental goals to economic protectionism. The law also seeks to promote consumer awareness, clothing reuse, and repair. For final adoption, it requires EU approval and reconciliation between Senate and National Assembly versions. Environmental groups argue the bill does not sufficiently address the fast fashion sector's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.