On June 10 2025 the French Senate took a bold step towards addressing the growing influence of ultra-fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu. With overwhelming support, 337 votes to just one, new legislation was passed that includes taxes for actions that harm the environment, bans on advertising, and requirements for brands to come clean about their sustainability efforts.  

In a particularly noteworthy move, influencers are now banned from promoting ultra-fast fashion products on social media—a clear sign that lawmakers are taking the impact of online marketing seriously, especially when it comes to younger audiences.  

Essentially, France is banning ultra-fast fashion. 

The goal? To push back against the environmental damage and human rights issues tied to fast fashion, while encouraging more ethical and sustainable marketing. It’s a strong message from France—one that shows they’re serious about reshaping the industry and setting a new global standard. 

The Dark Side Of Fast Fashion 

Fast fashion has completely reshaped how we shop, making trendy and affordable clothing more accessible than ever. But there’s a price. With over 100 billion clothing items produced globally each year, many are made under harsh conditions where workers are underpaid, overworked, and sometimes even subjected to forced or child labour. 

Then there’s the environmental cost. The fashion industry contributes a whopping 10 percent of global carbon emissions and is a major polluter of waterways. Textile waste is another growing problem, with more than 92 million tonnes discarded every year. And in Australia, we top the list when it comes to textile waste per capita, according to the Australian Institute’s 2024 Textile Waste Report. 

Global Responses: Progress and Pitfalls

France may be leading the way, but they’re not alone. The European Union is moving forward with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, a new regulation set to take effect by July 2027 that will hold around 7,000 companies accountable for their environmental and human rights impacts across the supply chain. 

India banned Shein back in 2020 over data privacy concerns. The brand has since made a comeback through a partnership with Reliance Retail, which now handles local data and production. While the move wasn’t driven by labour concerns, it reflected a desire for more controlled and transparent operations and kept overconsumption at bay while in effect. 

Elsewhere, the response is mixed. In Ireland, ultra-fast fashion continues to thrive, but pressure is building and the Labour Party is pushing for tougher legislation to follow France’s lead. The US, meanwhile, hasn’t introduced any federal laws directly targeting ultra-fast fashion, though some states have taken smaller steps to address garment worker rights and environmental issues. 

Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia have introduced Modern Slavery Acts requiring businesses to report what they’re doing to prevent exploitation. But without strong enforcement, many of these laws fall short. 

What About Fast Fashion in Australia?

Alongside the Modern Slavery Act (2018), Australia has rolled out a voluntary initiative called the Seamless program to promote circular fashion and cut back on textile waste.  

It’s a start but according to experts, it’s not enough. 

Nina Gbor from the Australia Institute put it plainly: ‘As one of the world’s biggest consumers of clothes, shoes and bags, Australia should have acted sooner to reduce the mountains of textile waste in this country.’ 

And she’s right. We’re at a point where stronger, mandatory regulations are not just helpful; they’re necessary.
 
While countries like France are taking bold action, Australia still has work to do. We’re at a crossroads. If we want to be part of the global shift toward ethical, sustainable fashion, our government needs to step up and introduce meaningful regulations to hold brands accountable and protect both people and the planet. 

You Can Take Action

Here’s the thing: real change doesn’t just come from the top. It comes from all of us. Every voice matters when it comes to demanding fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility in fashion. 

You can start by getting informed. Our 2024 Ethical Fashion Guide evaluates 120 companies representing over 450 brands, assessing their performance on human rights and environmental sustainability across the supply chain. It’s your go-to resource to learn more about your favourite brands. 

Then, take action! Use our Speak Out tool to tell brands that you expect better. By choosing to shop ethically and using your voice to advocate for change, you’re helping shape a better future for the Australian fashion industry. And you’re helping us play our part in combatting the injustices playing out in the industry globally.