About this Episode
France has introduced a new levy targeting ultra-fast fashion platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The fee depends on factors including the volume of clothing sold and repair costs compared with the purchase price.
The aim is to make ultra-cheap, high-volume fashion less economically attractive and reduce its environmental and economic impact. China has criticised the measure as discriminatory.
This year, charges range from 50 cents for some underwear to 12 euros for jackets. The levy will gradually increase and could reach €19.50 per item by 2030, capped at half of the pre-tax price.
France says it is the first country to introduce a levy specifically targeting ultra-fast fashion. Other European countries already require textile producers to help fund clothing collection and recycling, while the EU is moving towards similar producer-responsibility rules across all member states.
France introducing a levy on ultra-fast fashion to reduce environmental and economic harm — that’s what’s right with the world.
