France targets ultra-fast fashion with stepped fees to curb cheap online clothes

France has begun charging per-item levies on ultra-fast fashion products sold online, targeting items from Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The levy, which comes into force now and rises over time to as much as €19.50 per item by 2030 (capped at 50% of the pre-tax price), is calculated from two factors: the volume of clothing placed on the market and the repair cost relative to the purchase price. For 2026, charges range from €0.50 for underwear to €12 for a jacket. The policy exempts some European retailers like H&M and Zara. France says the move aims to curb environmental and economic harms of ultra-fast fashion, while critics, including China, warn it could spark trade frictions. Shein recently achieved a roughly $26 billion valuation after its HK debut, underscoring the broader debate over fast fashion.”,