While Shein, Temu & Co. continue to deliver low -cost goods to Europe, France sets an example: On June 10, the French Senate unanimously adopted a legislative package for the containment of environmentally harmful cheap fashion. The national assembly had already agreed to the project, the final agreement is expected in autumn.
Among other things, the planned law provides for punitive measures for environmentally harmful behavior and a new parcel tax of two to four euros for shipments from non-EU countries. In addition, platforms are to be made more obliged and advertising for Fast Fashion – especially by influencers – is to be regulated. The focus is particularly on the Shein company. While European manufacturers and dealers are increasingly regulated, Asian providers such as Shein could continue to act unhindered, the BTE argues. The result is a massive competitive disadvantage for European fashion and shoe companies- with increasing number of business tasks in medium-sized specialist trade.
The trade association Germany (HDE) and the BTE trade association Textil shoes leather goods have long been calling for a political reaction. BTE President Mark Rauschen clearly speaks for a “level playing field”: “For example, a quick abolition of the duty-free limit, the introduction of a processing fee for packages at customs and a registration obligation for each package-regardless of the value of the goods about the system of the EU import-one-stop shop, do not help, as is now the case with a specific law-as is now in France- be thought. “
France’s legislative initiative is now also being observed in Berlin and Brussels – as a possible blueprint for the continent.
