July 25, 2025
PARIS – Citing environmental reasons, France’s Senate approved a law regulating so-called “fast fashion” last month. If implemented, it would ban advertising by fast-growing Chinese e-commerce platforms.
“Critics say the low-priced garments produced by fast-fashion chains drive excessive consumption and waste, exacerbating the textile sector’s impact on the environment,” wrote Reuters in a June article. “An amended version of the bill distinguishes between ‘ultra’ fast fashion and ‘classic’ fast fashion, however, imposing less onerous restrictions on European fast-fashion players like Zara and Kiabi, but drawing criticism from environmental groups.”
Jean-Francois Longeot, chair of the Senate’s Committee on Regional Planning and Sustainable Development commented: “The ‘clarifications (made by the Senate) make it possible to target players who ignore environmental, social, and economic realities…without penalising the European ready-to-wear sector.”
“The law would also introduce penalties for both fast and ultra fast-fashion companies if they don’t meet certain environmental criteria, reaching at least 10 euros per item of clothing by 2030, or up to 50% of the product’s price excluding tax,” added officials from Reuters. “The government needs to notify the European Commission of the vote, and will then need to set up a joint committee to reach a compromise between the Senate and lower house versions of the law before it is implemented.”
Forbes reporter Zoe Bayliss Wong added commentary, declaring: “France continued its war on fast fashion with amendments to a climate bill that will impose penalties on ultra-fast fashion giants. It’s one of the boldest policy moves yet from a major fashion market, sending a clear message that the era of unchecked disposable fashion may be coming to an end.”
Recent Comments