France is preparing to reshape the textile industry with a new regulation targeting ultra-express fashion, set to take full effect by 1 January 2026. The draft law, notified to the European Commission under TRIS Notification 2025/0336/FR, introduces wide-reaching changes to reduce the environmental footprint of the fast-paced clothing sector. It mandates transparency, adjusts producer responsibility obligations, and places strict controls on marketing practices—all of which have direct implications for stakeholders across the chemicals and manufacturing value chain.
Ultra-express fashion, characterised by rapid product turnover and limited product longevity, has been blamed for rising textile waste and emissions. This legislation, while focused on fashion, reaches deeply into manufacturing, retail, logistics, and digital commerce, setting a new benchmark for sustainability-driven regulation in Europe.
Why the Policy Matters: Fast Fashion’s Mounting Footprint
Textile consumption in France has surged to 3.3 billion garments per year—equivalent to more than 48 items per person. Globally, the fashion sector contributes around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding the impact of international flights and maritime shipping combined.
The proposed regulation directly responds to these pressures, aiming to curb the environmental and social costs of mass clothing production. It aligns with the EU Waste Framework Directive and France’s climate goals, while signalling a broader shift towards more durable, traceable, and accountable textile production.
What’s Changing: Rules for Producers, Retailers and Advertisers
1. Defining and Regulating Ultra-Express Fashion
The law formally categorises ultra-express fashion based on product volume and repair incentives. Thresholds will be set by decree. Brands and platforms that meet the criteria must display clear sustainability messages online and are barred from using the word “free” in promotional contexts.
2. Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
France’s TLC EPR scheme (covering textiles, household linen, and footwear) will be expanded. Foreign producers must appoint a local representative. Financial contributions will now reflect product durability, with penalties rising annually—from €5 per product in 2025 to €10 in 2030.
3. Transparency in E-Commerce
All textile items sold online must show their country of origin near the price, helping consumers make informed, responsible purchases.
4. Advertising Restrictions and Influencer Accountability
From 1 January 2026, advertising ultra-express fashion products or brands will be prohibited. Influencers face fines of up to €100,000 for non-compliance. This represents one of the most assertive moves yet to rein in online marketing’s role in unsustainable consumption.
5. New Tax on Extra-EU Parcels
To curb low-cost, high-volume imports, a tax will apply to parcels under 2 kg shipped to France from outside the EU. The fee, ranging from €2 to €4, targets e-commerce platforms contributing to fast fashion proliferation.
Implications for Industry: Risks and Opportunities
This law doesn’t just tighten regulation—it rewrites the rules of market access. Manufacturers, importers, and digital platforms must review product design, labelling, and compliance structures. But for firms investing in circular design and sustainable sourcing, it opens doors to eco-certification, brand trust, and long-term resilience.
The legislation is currently in its notification phase, with a TRIS standstill period ending on 30 September 2025. Businesses are advised to prepare now, as enforcement begins in January 2026.
