The French Senate has supported a brand new invoice aimed toward extremely quick trend websites reminiscent of Shein and Temu that features a prohibition of promoting, in addition to the sanctions for the influential ones that promote them on-line. The invoice, whose goal is to maneuver the sector in direction of extra sustainable practices, was accepted by 337 votes in favor and just one in opposition to.
Manufacturers reminiscent of Shein and Temu have been accused of asserting false reductions and stress sale with false buy deadlines. The European consumption group has complained to the European Fee of “Darkish Patterns”, together with the disgrace of individuals to simply accept “annoying” affords and shoppers.
European manufacturers reminiscent of Zara and H&M will probably be saved, partly as a result of they don’t seem to be as “extremely” because the Chinese language manufacturers which are directed and don’t function on the identical scale, but in addition, apparently, as a result of France is raring to guard European firms.
Mass manufacturing and low fast trend costs are having a devastating influence on the surroundings and, presumably, tradition. The invoice additionally proposes an ecological tax of as much as € 5 per article, rising to € 10 by 2030, though it is not going to exceed 50% of the retail value of the article, and plenty of objects in these websites price very for lower than € 10.
Shein spokesman Quentin Ruffat warned that the measure might “have an effect on the buying energy” of French shoppers. It can additionally interrupt a terrific digital and affect promoting ecosystem. Whether it is discovered that the invoice meets the EU laws and approves a second studying in September, it could make a terrific milestone in efforts to handle the good influence of quick trend.
Chinese language manufacturers are turning to Europe in entrance of US tariffs, so French hostility will probably be an additional blow. Shein’s income fell by nearly 40% final 12 months to € 1 billion, primarily because of the enhance within the competitors of the Rival Temu.
Environmental activists see this as a misplaced alternative. Pierre Condamine, Buddies of the Earth France marketing campaign supervisor, advised Euronews: “We’re going to goal at two manufacturers and, subsequently, to place apart what represents a minimum of 90% of the manufacturing and clothes offered in France.”
From 2010 to 2023, the valued of quick trend merchandise in France fired from 2.three billion euros to three.2 billion euros. The France Atmosphere Company, Ademe, states that 35 clothes are discarded each second.