French Senate Passes Legislation Targeting Fast Fashion Giant Shein
New law aims to combat environmental impacts and labor issues associated with fast fashion in France.
On June 10, 2023, the French Senate voted unanimously in favor of a law aimed specifically at addressing the fast fashion industry, targeting platforms like Shein.
This legislation follows a similar vote in the National Assembly a year earlier and marks a significant movement by the French government against one of the world's leading fast fashion retailers.
The proposal, led by Horizons deputy Anne-Cécile Violland, garnered support across political lines and is viewed as a starting point for broader European action against fast fashion.
The Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, welcomed the law, describing it as both ambitious and a necessary response to the rise of ultra-fast fashion, which she referred to as an 'invasion.' The Minister announced plans to inform the European Commission to ensure that the legal framework of this initiative is secure.
The legislation includes measures such as penalties for polluting companies, restrictions on advertising, obligations for online platforms, and potential sanctions for influencers promoting fast fashion.
Shein, known for its low-cost clothing produced under questionable labor conditions, is particularly targeted by this new law.
The platform is criticized for its staggering average of 7,220 new product offerings daily, a figure starkly higher than traditional retailers like H&M, which releases approximately 290 new women's clothing items daily.
The French government emphasizes that the law intends to directly address the practices of Shein rather than traditional retailers such as H&M, Zara, or Kiabi.
This focus has drawn criticism from various political factions who argue that it unfairly singles out Shein at the expense of other businesses contributing to the French economy.
In response to the legislation, Shein expressed concern over its potential economic impact on consumers, labeling the law as effectively anti-Shein and indicating it would harm their client base by restricting purchasing power.
The proposal mandates that targeted companies raise consumer awareness regarding the environmental impacts of their products.
In addition, Shein is expected to face increased environmental contributions with a framework of 'bonus-malus' penalties, which could reach at least €10 per article by 2030.
One of the more contentious aspects of the law is a total ban on advertising for ultra-fast fashion, which has raised questions regarding its constitutionality, particularly concerning influencer marketing.
Additionally, the Senate approved the introduction of a tax on small packages delivered by companies based outside the European Union, estimated between €2 and €4, aiming to expand the law’s reach to other international retailers, such as Temu.
However, this specific measure may be revised in subsequent parliamentary discussions to allow for European-level negotiations on the issue.
Following the Senate’s approval, a joint committee consisting of senators and deputies will convene to work towards a unified text before the final adoption of the law.
This legislation follows a similar vote in the National Assembly a year earlier and marks a significant movement by the French government against one of the world's leading fast fashion retailers.
The proposal, led by Horizons deputy Anne-Cécile Violland, garnered support across political lines and is viewed as a starting point for broader European action against fast fashion.
The Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, welcomed the law, describing it as both ambitious and a necessary response to the rise of ultra-fast fashion, which she referred to as an 'invasion.' The Minister announced plans to inform the European Commission to ensure that the legal framework of this initiative is secure.
The legislation includes measures such as penalties for polluting companies, restrictions on advertising, obligations for online platforms, and potential sanctions for influencers promoting fast fashion.
Shein, known for its low-cost clothing produced under questionable labor conditions, is particularly targeted by this new law.
The platform is criticized for its staggering average of 7,220 new product offerings daily, a figure starkly higher than traditional retailers like H&M, which releases approximately 290 new women's clothing items daily.
The French government emphasizes that the law intends to directly address the practices of Shein rather than traditional retailers such as H&M, Zara, or Kiabi.
This focus has drawn criticism from various political factions who argue that it unfairly singles out Shein at the expense of other businesses contributing to the French economy.
In response to the legislation, Shein expressed concern over its potential economic impact on consumers, labeling the law as effectively anti-Shein and indicating it would harm their client base by restricting purchasing power.
The proposal mandates that targeted companies raise consumer awareness regarding the environmental impacts of their products.
In addition, Shein is expected to face increased environmental contributions with a framework of 'bonus-malus' penalties, which could reach at least €10 per article by 2030.
One of the more contentious aspects of the law is a total ban on advertising for ultra-fast fashion, which has raised questions regarding its constitutionality, particularly concerning influencer marketing.
Additionally, the Senate approved the introduction of a tax on small packages delivered by companies based outside the European Union, estimated between €2 and €4, aiming to expand the law’s reach to other international retailers, such as Temu.
However, this specific measure may be revised in subsequent parliamentary discussions to allow for European-level negotiations on the issue.
Following the Senate’s approval, a joint committee consisting of senators and deputies will convene to work towards a unified text before the final adoption of the law.
