France Sets Example with Clothing Surcharge
France has taken a leading step against the fast fashion industry by approving a new tax aimed at discouraging the sale of cheaply made clothing. The measure begins with a €5 levy per garment and will rise to €10 by the end of the decade. The amount applied will depend on how sustainable a brand’s production practices are, with a ceiling set at 50% of the pre-tax retail price. The legislation also introduces mandatory eco-labels on clothing, giving consumers clearer insight into each product’s environmental footprint.
EU to Remove Duty Exemptions on Budget Imports
The European Union is also tightening its approach by targeting low-cost imports from non-EU countries. The European Commission plans to eliminate the current duty exemption for parcels under €150 and introduce a €2 handling charge for every shipment. Officials say the move will close a loophole used by major fast-fashion exporters and create fairer trading conditions for European producers who follow environmental standards.
Member States Promote Reuse Over Replacement
Several European countries are pairing taxation with repair incentives to slow clothing waste. Sweden has cut its value-added tax on tailoring and repairs, while the Netherlands has launched similar programs to encourage consumers to fix rather than replace garments. Spain and other nations are requiring fashion companies to fund textile recycling and collection systems. Together, these policies reflect a growing continental effort to make fashion more sustainable and reduce the industry’s massive environmental toll.
