EU Urged by Textile Federations to Tackle Ultra Fast Fashion Urgently

Paris – European textile and clothing companies are voicing urgent concerns regarding ultra fast fashion, stating that swift action is essential. In a collective letter directed at the European Commission, these industry players assert that they can no longer afford to wait for years for effective measures to be implemented. Frustration mounts as e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress continue to flood the European market with low-cost, non-compliant products that create unfair competition, environmental damage, and exploitative labor practices.

The signatories are urging the European Union to enact “immediate action” to combat ultra fast fashion. Their goal is to address the alarming increase in textile waste and the mounting pressure on European businesses. According to the letter, a staggering 4.5 billion parcels were imported in 2024 from major e-commerce platforms based outside Europe. Strengthening customs barriers has become imperative, including the prompt implementation of reforms to the European customs code, which currently exempts goods valued under 150 euros from customs duties. This exemption disproportionately benefits the targeted e-commerce companies that send small parcels from China.

Calls for Action

The call for urgent measures comes from Euratex, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, alongside numerous federations from countries like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Belgium, and Portugal. This collective demand will be officially communicated to the European Commission in a letter signed at the Première Vision trade show in Paris. Over recent months, Asian online sales platforms have faced backlash from environmental and human rights organizations, European businesses, and regulatory authorities, resulting in investigations, hefty fines, and proposed measures to limit their expansion.

However, the signatories believe current efforts are insufficient. Euratex president Mario Jorge Machado emphasized in a statement that the EU has both the capability and the responsibility to act promptly. This unprecedented joint declaration marks a significant step for European federations, as noted by co-president of the UFIMH, Pierre-François Le Louët. UIT president Olivier Ducatillion also remarked that the letter signifies “the onset of practical actions without being bogged down by the intricacies of European decision-making.”

Additionally, the French government conveyed similar concerns to the European Commission at the end of August, urging the need for “new powers to delist” online platforms that violate EU laws, particularly targeting Shein.