France Leads with Eco-Fee on Low-Cost Garments
France has introduced a pioneering tax targeting the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, adding a surcharge to inexpensive clothing. The new levy begins at €5 per item and will increase to €10 by 2030, with the rate adjusted according to each company’s sustainability record. The fee cannot exceed half of a product’s pre-tax price. Alongside the tax, a new eco-labeling system will require brands to disclose the environmental footprint of their garments, giving consumers clearer insight into the impact of their fashion choices.
EU Seeks to End Exemptions for Cheap Imports
In Brussels, the European Commission is advancing plans to toughen import regulations for low-priced clothing shipped into the EU. The proposal calls for removing the current exemption on goods valued under €150 and introducing a €2 processing fee for every parcel entering the bloc. Officials argue the changes are necessary to level the playing field between European producers and international online retailers, while also helping to limit the environmental strain caused by mass-produced, short-lived apparel.
European Nations Promote Repair and Recycling
Several EU member states are complementing these policies with national programs to extend the lifespan of clothing and reduce waste. Sweden has lowered its VAT on repair services to make mending clothes more affordable, while the Netherlands has introduced similar incentives to encourage consumers to reuse rather than replace garments. Spain, meanwhile, has made it mandatory for fashion companies to fund textile collection and recycling systems. Collectively, these actions reflect a coordinated European movement toward a more circular and sustainable fashion economy.
