France Pioneers Environmental Fees on Low-Cost Clothing
France has taken a major step in regulating fast fashion by introducing an environmental fee on cheaply produced garments. The plan starts with a €5 charge per clothing item and will gradually increase to €10 by 2030. The amount applied will depend on how responsibly a company manufactures its products and will be limited to no more than half the item’s price before tax. The new policy also requires that all clothing carry an eco-rating label, intended to help consumers gauge a product’s environmental footprint before purchasing.
EU Moves to Tighten Control on Imports
Meanwhile, the European Commission is advancing a proposal to end the current tax exemption on imported items valued under €150 — a rule that has benefited global fast fashion retailers. Under the new framework, all small parcels entering the bloc would face customs duties and a €2 processing fee. The changes are designed to discourage bulk imports of cheap clothing and ensure that overseas sellers are held to the same fiscal and sustainability standards as European manufacturers.
Repair Incentives Aim to Extend Clothing Lifespans
Across the continent, several governments are pairing tax measures with efforts to make clothing repair and reuse more affordable. Sweden has reduced VAT on tailoring and repair services, while the Netherlands has launched similar programs to encourage consumers to fix rather than replace worn items. In Spain, new regulations now require fashion brands to contribute to national textile recycling and waste-collection schemes. Together, these policies form part of a wider European strategy to reduce waste and promote more sustainable fashion consumption.
