France Introduces Levy on Ultra-Fast Fashion Items Targeting Shein and Temu
By Editor • August 31, 2026 • 1 min read
Beginning this week, France will implement a new levy aimed at ultra-fast fashion retailers, imposing a fee that could reach nearly €20 per item by 2030. This initiative targets popular platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, which have surged in popularity within the French market.
The penalty follows legislation passed in June that seeks to address the environmental impact of disposable fashion. According to Mathieu Lefevre, France's minister for ecological transition, the detrimental effects of ultra-fast fashion on both the environment and economy are well recognized.
Under the new rules, the levy will be determined based on two criteria: the volume of clothing released into the market and the repairability of the items compared to their purchase price. Starting in 2026, fees will range from 50 cents for underwear to up to €12 for jackets, scaling up to a maximum of €19.50 by 2030.
Notably, major retailers like H&M and Zara will be exempt from this levy, raising concerns that the measure disproportionately targets Asian companies. Despite criticism, French officials emphasize that the focus remains on companies like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress as key players in the rise of ultra-fast fashion.
Source: www.france24.com
