Germany, France and the Netherlands, supported by Slovenia and Denmark advocated coordinated European action against ultra-fast fashion at the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg.
These three countries called on the European Commission to make existing and planned EU provisions more effective against short-lived, low quality textiles.
Germany is in favour of stringent provisions for textiles under the EU Ecodesign Regulation. These include requirements for recycled content, durability and recyclability.
At the same time, in Germany’s view, clear criteria are needed to enable the business model of ultra-fast fashion to be precisely defined and regulated.
Another key instrument is extended producer responsibility for textiles. Companies placing large quantities of short-lived clothing on the EU market should also take on an appropriate share of the costs of collection, sorting, re-use and disposal.
The three countries are also advocating better enforcement in relation to online platforms and direct sales from third countries. European environment and product standards must also apply to online retailers.
The EU has already adopted a number of measures to combat the flood of cheap products from non-EU countries. For example, from July 1, 2026 customs duties will be introduced for packages from non-EU countries.
The previous exemption threshold of €150 will no longer apply. From then on, a fixed customs duty of €3 will be levied per product group in the package, while import VAT must also be paid.
Also, an amendment to the Ecodesign Regulation already bans large companies from destroying certain unsold consumer goods and this provision will apply from July 19, 2026.
“Ultra-fast fashion is only worn for a short time, but causes problems in the long run. Once discarded, it can rarely be re-used as a second-hand garment or recycled, placing a strain on used clothing collection,” State Secretary at the German Federal Environment Ministry Jochen Flasbarth said.
“This is a burden on our resources, climate and waste management systems and puts companies that invest in long-lived, circular textiles under pressure,” Flasbarth added.
“That is why we are calling on the European Commission to set higher sustainability standards for manufacturers of ultra-fast fashion. Producing cheap disposable clothing can no longer be a competitive advantage,” he stated.
Image courtesy: Collect My Clothes
