Environmental Levy on 'Fast Fashion'... French National Assembly Passes Bill

Meaning of fast and cheap clothing like fast food
Concerns over abuse of cotton, synthetic materials, water, etc.
Targeting Chinese fast fashion company 'Shein'

The French National Assembly has passed a regulatory bill aimed at reducing consumption of so-called 'fast fashion,' which causes environmental pollution.

According to the French daily Le Figaro, the French National Assembly unanimously approved the fast fashion restriction law on the 14th (local time). Fast fashion refers to clothing and the apparel industry that quickly and cheaply produce and consume garments by immediately reflecting the latest trends, similar to fast food. It is distinguished from traditional clothing brands that typically release new collections four times a year.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The bill centers on imposing an environmental levy on low-cost clothing and banning advertisements for fast fashion products and companies. Starting in 2025, a levy of 5 euros (7,000 won) per product will be imposed. The levy will then gradually increase, up to 10 euros (14,000 won) by 2030, without exceeding 50% of the sales price. However, some lawmakers opposed the advertising ban, arguing that "banning fashion advertisements means the end of fashion."

Assembly member Ansecil Viollan, who led the bill, stated, "This is not a tax," adding, "This levy will be redistributed to sustainable clothing producers to help lower prices." Earlier, Viollan criticized the Chinese fast fashion company 'Shein,' pointing out that "7,200 new clothing items are produced daily," and stated, "Textiles are the most environmentally polluting industry."

If the bill passes in the Senate, specific criteria for fast fashion will likely be established through subsequent legislation. Currently, the bill uses production volume and collection turnover speed as standards to define the scope of fast fashion subject to restrictions.

Meanwhile, Christophe B?chu, Minister of the Environment, welcomed the development, saying, "With today's vote, France has become the first country in the world to pass a law limiting the excesses of ultra-fast fashion."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.