China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu

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Published: 2026-09-03T09:24:12.850Z • Permanent link

France has taken a significant step in addressing the environmental concerns associated with fast fashion, introducing a new law that targets ultra-fast-fashion retailers such as Shein and Temu. This legislation, which was signed into effect on January 1, 2024, imposes stricter penalties on companies that fail to meet certain environmental standards. According to a statement from the French government, the law aims to reduce the country's carbon footprint by 30% by 2025.

Key individuals involved in the passage of this law include French Environment Minister, Élisabeth Borne, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Borne has been a vocal advocate for environmental reform, and her efforts to address the fast-fashion industry have been widely recognized. The law is seen as a major victory for environmental activists, who have been pressing for greater regulation of the industry.

Data from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggests that the fast-fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the largest contributors to climate change. The new law is aimed at reducing this impact, by requiring companies to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce waste.

The impact of this law on the fast-fashion industry will be felt across multiple countries and regions. Shein, a Chinese e-commerce company, has been one of the most heavily criticized for its environmental record. The company has faced backlash from environmental activists and has been the subject of several high-profile investigations. The law's introduction marks a significant shift in the global regulatory environment, and its effects will be closely watched by companies operating in the fast-fashion sector.

Research communities and policy experts will also be closely monitoring the law's impact. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been conducting research on the social and environmental impacts of the fast-fashion industry, and the law's introduction provides a significant opportunity for further study. The European Union's (EU) Green Deal initiative has also been a major driver of environmental reform, and the law's alignment with this broader policy framework is seen as a significant development.

The introduction of this law marks a significant shift in the global regulatory environment, and it is part of a broader trend towards greater environmental regulation. The EU's Green Deal initiative, for example, aims to reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The law's introduction also reflects a growing recognition of the need for greater regulation of the fast-fashion industry, which has been criticized for its environmental and social impacts.