The French government has introduced a new law imposing charges on fast-fashion products, targeting ultra-fast-fashion companies such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress. The current charges are set per item as of 2026, with a cap to be introduced in the future.
The French government on the 1st launched a new scheme imposing charges on fast-fashion products to curb the surge in inexpensive clothing sold on e-commerce sites. Current charges include €2 for a T-shirt and €12 for a jacket, and could eventually reach as much as €20 per item.
The new law defines ultra-fast fashion based on two factors: the volume of clothing brought to market and the cost of repairs relative to the purchase price. As of 2026, charges are set at €0.5 for underwear, €2 for T-shirts, €9 for jeans and €12 for jackets. They are expected to rise to as much as €19.5 by 2030, although the cap will not exceed 50% of the tax-inclusive price.
France has passed a new law targeting major overseas online retailers such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress. These companies have been criticized for fueling the expansion of environmentally damaging fast fashion. China’s Ministry of Commerce said the law was discriminatory and suggested that it could violate WTO principles.
SHEIN listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the same day. Its market capitalization reached approximately $24 billion on its first day. Temu has argued that, as a platform-based company, it does not manufacture its own products, and has issued comments regarding its potential inclusion under the law. The BBC attempted to contact SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress.