France takes steps to tackle fast fashion – make sure you keep up with environmental regulations!

In an effort to address the environmental impacts of the fashion industry, France introduced a legislative bill last year which was aimed at imposing stricter regulations on fast fashion brands, particularly those known for importing low-cost garments. 

The bill was approved by the French National Assembly in March 2024 and is pending further Senate approval before it can be implemented into law.

What is the background behind the proposals?

The bill marks a major step in the regulation of the fashion industry and emerged over growing concerns over the environmental degradation caused by the fashion industry, which accounts for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions. 

French policymakers have argued that the bill is a necessary step to promote sustainability and protect the domestic fashion industry from foreign competitors such as Shein and Temu, who rely on a business model focused on importing low-cost garments from China.

What are the proposals?

The bill has introduced the following proposals:

• Environmental surcharge: From 2025, a fee of €5 per item will be levied on fast fashion products, rising to €10 by 2030. This eco-contribution is designed to reflect the true environmental cost of cheap, disposable clothing and encourage more mindful purchasing.
• Advertising restrictions: The bill will ban the advertising of the cheapest textile products, a move that targets the aggressive marketing tactics often used to drive rapid consumption, especially among younger demographics.
• Transparency obligations: Brands will be required to disclose detailed information about the environmental impact of their clothing. This includes data on the use of hazardous substances, recyclability, and production methods.
• Support for sustainable alternatives: Funds collected through the environmental surcharge will be directed to support eco-friendly fashion initiatives and producers who prioritise durability, repairability, and ethical supply chains.

These proposals are part of France’s broader strategy to promote circular economy principles within the textile sector and to encourage both producers and consumers to shift away from low-cost, high-volume businesses importing from overseas.

These new proposals are aimed to complement existing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations which already affect existing businesses selling fashion and other products containing textiles.  

How could the proposals affect ecommerce sellers?

There is currently no timeline available for implementation as the bill is still pending Senate approval.   The Senate may choose to implement all of the measures in the bill, amend or reject them and send the bill back to the National Assembly for a further vote. 

In the meantime, we highly recommend that all businesses looking to trade in France should familiarise themselves with the current EPR regulations. 

As a member of the European Union, France has implemented many EU-wide EPR regulations into domestic legislation. 

Under the EPR regulations, businesses trading in regulated product categories must register for an appropriate EPR registration, declare their sales volumes, and pay a proportional contribution fee to offset the environmental impact of their trading activities. 

France has a significantly wider set of EPR categories compared to many other EU Member States.  These include:

• Batteries
• Chemicals
• Furniture
• Packaging
• Sports & Leisure Equipment
• Textiles
• Toys
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

The Textiles category regulates the sale of fashion products in France.  Products falling under the Textiles category include:

• Clothing: Garments such as undergarments, outerwear, and workwear
• Household Linen: Textile items such as bed sheets, towels, curtains, tablecloths, and blankets.
• Footwear: Shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, and similar items designed for consumer use.

Ongoing compliance with TBA Global

At TBA Global, we’re here to help your business stay on top of the latest regulations, ensuring smooth and successful business operations.

Whether you need help with EPR registration, VAT compliance or EU Responsible Person representation, we’re here to help.    

All information provided has been verified as correct at the time of writing – for up-to-date information, please enquire with our team or check with the relevant local authorities.