France Unveils Tax on Budget Clothing Lines
France has moved ahead with a national tax targeting the fast fashion industry in an effort to curb its growing environmental impact. The plan introduces a €5 fee on low-cost garments, which will gradually rise to €10 by 2030. The amount charged will depend on each brand’s sustainability performance and is limited to 50% of the item’s pre-tax value. As part of the initiative, all clothing sold in France will also feature an eco-label detailing its environmental score, encouraging shoppers to make more responsible purchases.
Brussels Pushes to Rein In Import Loopholes
The European Commission is taking steps to tighten trade rules that currently favor inexpensive imports from non-EU markets. Its latest proposal would abolish the tax exemption for products priced under €150 and apply a €2 handling fee to all packages entering the bloc. Officials say the goal is to ensure fairer market conditions for European producers while curbing the flood of ultra-cheap clothing sold online — much of which contributes to high waste and emissions.
Repair Incentives and Recycling Rules Expand Across Europe
Across the continent, governments are introducing complementary measures to reduce fashion waste and promote circular practices. Sweden has lowered VAT on tailoring and repair services to make garment mending more accessible, while the Netherlands has introduced comparable incentives. Spain has gone further by requiring fashion companies to support textile recycling and collection systems. Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated European push to shift the fashion industry toward sustainability and long-term production models.
