France adopts anti‑fast‑fashion law targeting Shein and Temu

France's mixed parliamentary commission approved a law aimed at curbing the environmental impact of ultra‑fast‑fashion platforms, chiefly the Asian‑based Shein and Temu. The text defines “ultra‑express fashion” by a high volume of new items and a repair‑cost ratio that makes repairing more expensive than buying new. Companies meeting this definition must display information on sustainability, repairability and manufacturing origin, and encourage reuse and recycling.

The legislation excludes European retailers, a compromise defended by trade minister Serge Papin as avoiding “shooting oneself in the foot”. NGOs such as Emmaüs France and the Stop Fast‑Fashion coalition criticize the final text as substantially weakened, noting the replacement of ADEME’s durability coefficient with broader, less precise criteria and leaving key implementation details to future government decrees. They warn the law may be difficult to enforce and serve primarily as a symbolic measure.

The law will be published in the official journal after parliamentary readings, after two legislative sessions and months of debate. Opposition groups plan continued advocacy to influence the upcoming decrees and push for a harmonized European framework.