Legislation Against Rapid Garment Production: Shein Commissions a Critical Review, Forwarding it to Parliamentarians, Advocating for "Th thrifty shoppers"
Anti-Fast-Fashion Bill under Scrutiny as Shein Commissioned Report Challenges Legislation
Paris, France - In a move that could potentially shape the future of fast-fashion in the country, Shein has commissioned a report denouncing an upcoming anti-fast-fashion bill set for debate in France's Senate on June 2. The report, obtained by France Inter on May 28, has been sent to all parliamentarians.
Shein, which argues that it is not opposed to fast-fashion, asserts in its statement that the proposed legislation will disproportionately affect budget-conscious consumers. The bill, originally unanimously adopted by the National Assembly in March 2024, with amendments, will be scrutinized by the Senate starting June 2.
The bill, initiated by deputies from the Horizons group, aims to address the environmental impact of the clothing industry. Key provisions include the introduction of penalties, reaching up to 50% of the selling price by 2030, the prohibition of advertising for fast fashion, and the taxation of packages from China on platforms like Shein or Temu.
The commissioned report, penned by Frédéric Jenny, an emeritus professor of economics at ESSEC, scrutinizes the bill from three angles: it suggests that the bill will penalize budget-conscious consumers, it finds inefficiency in the bill's intended environmental impact reduction strategy, and it claims that the bill specifically targets certain stores. The report likens this bill to the fuel tax of 2018, which triggered widespread protests in France.
Parliamentarians contacted by France Inter have described the report as "bizarre" but not wholly unexpected. An anonymous senator speaks of pervasive lobbying and notes that Shein has been particularly insistent. Efforts by Shein to lobby parliamentarians, including requests for meetings and an invitation to a fashion show, have reportedly been unsuccessful. However, the initiators of the bill believe that French or European retailers, such as Kiabi or Primark, remain unscathed.
As the debate on fast fashion's future continues, Shein contends that the bill would have counterproductive effects for consumers and destabilize the competitive balance of the sector. The company argues that 80% of consumers of fast fashion belong to lower-income social categories, suggesting that they are its primary clientele. Furthermore, the report maintains that the proposed flat-rate penalties wouldn't encourage improvements in environmental practices.
Shein's commissioned report raises concerns about the impact of the anti-fast-fashion bill on budget-conscious consumers and the overall finance sector, claiming that the penalties could destabilize business within the industry. The bill, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the clothing industry, also faces scrutiny for its efficiency in achieving its goals and for allegedly targeting specific stores.
