The proposed law which aims to make “fast fashion” out of fashion

Already named law “ fast fashion », the text is part of the promotion of the sustainable economy and attacks the overconsumption of short-lived fashion through the compulsive purchase of low-priced clothing. Unfortunately, scandals such as the dramatic Rana Plaza accident 11 years ago have highlighted the disastrous effects of low-cost overseas production to the detriment of people and the environment.

Pending possible amendments from the Senate, the bill aims to sanction: 

« The provision or distribution of a large number of new references of new products mentioned in 11° of article L. 541-10-1, including when the provision is made through a online market provider, exceeding thresholds set by decree in the Council of State is part of a commercial practice consisting of very quickly renewing clothing and accessories collections. »

The deputies thus intend to regulate in a more targeted manner the practices of part of the textile industry, responsible for significant CO2 emissions, but also for water pollution via dyes and the increase in microplastics in the environment. .

The bill provides for the establishment of a bonus-malus system, notably through the application of a penalty of 50% of the price excluding tax of each item sold and the exclusion of bonuses in application of article L 541-10-1 of the Environmental Code. It also provides for a ban on advertising as well as environmental display on online sales platforms.

As a reminder, articles L541-10 et seq. of the Environmental Code, providing for a principle of extended producer responsibility, already apply to the textile industry and impose the obligation to provide or contribute to prevention and Waste Management. 

If the law is adopted, the government should then set by decree a threshold from which the industry will be considered as producing " fast fashion ". The impact and severity of this law will therefore obviously depend on the choice of these thresholds.