France Launches Environmental Charge on Budget Clothing
France has unveiled a new environmental levy designed to curb the environmental toll of fast fashion. The initiative begins with a €5 fee per garment and will rise to €10 by 2030. The final rate will depend on each brand’s sustainability record, with a maximum charge set at 50% of the item’s retail value before tax. Lawmakers also approved a labeling system requiring clothing to display its ecological footprint, aiming to steer consumers toward longer-lasting, responsibly made products.
Brussels Seeks to Curb Cheap Imports
At the European level, officials are moving to close loopholes that have long benefited global e-commerce platforms. The European Commission is pushing to eliminate the current duty exemption for items priced under €150 and introduce a €2 handling fee for every incoming parcel. The proposed overhaul is intended to slow the influx of low-cost garments from non-EU countries and ensure that foreign retailers follow the same fiscal and environmental standards as domestic producers.
Repair and Recycling Incentives Gain Ground
Across Europe, individual nations are coupling taxation with policies that promote a more circular approach to fashion. Sweden has cut VAT on tailoring and repair services, and the Netherlands has followed suit with similar incentives to encourage garment maintenance. Spain has gone a step further, requiring brands to help fund textile recycling and collection programs. Together, these initiatives mark a decisive shift in Europe’s strategy — from fueling rapid consumption to building a more sustainable, repair-focused fashion economy.
