France's Anti‑Ultra‑Fast Fashion Law Triggers Chinese Threat of Retaliation

France's parliament approved a law aimed at curbing ultra‑fast fashion, imposing a financial penalty on each disposable clothing item sold online. The measures, effective 1 September, target major Asian e‑commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress, with fines rising to €20 per garment and capped at 50 % of the pre‑tax price. The law also bans advertising for low‑cost mass‑produced apparel, including influencer promotion.

China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the legislation as discriminatory and a breach of World Trade Organization non‑discrimination rules. Beijing warned that if the rights of Chinese companies are infringed, it could take necessary retaliatory steps. The Chinese spokesperson called the law a trade barrier that distorts fair competition and urged France to correct the measures immediately.