In a joint declaration issued during the Première Vision trade fair, leading European textile and clothing federations warned against the rapid rise of ultra-fast fashion.
Accounting for 4.5 billion imported parcels in the European Union in 2024, ultra fast fashion represents 5 per cent of all clothing sales and a staggering 20 per cent of online sales. This sector continues to grow at an alarming pace.
The federations are warning on several critical consequences. According to them, overproduction of items with a very short lifespan is creating a massive increase in textile waste. It is also adding to the pressure on European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to strict social and environmental standards. The rise of ultra-fast fashion directly threatens local retailers and accelerates the decline of city centers. The platforms involved are engaging in practices that violate European regulations, including VAT fraud and the sale of counterfeit goods.
The federations are urging European institutions and member states enforce the European Customs Code, increase controls and penalties through existing digital regulations (the DSA and DMA), appoint legal representatives to e-commerce platforms, introduce a new tax on small parcels and the abolish the customs duty exemption for parcels under €150, ensure proper collection of VAT on these massive import flows and engage in a dialogue with Chinese authorities to regulate the practices of platforms based there.
Co-signed by major federations including Euratex, UFIMH, and Confindustria Moda, the declaration also encourages European consumers to choose durable products and support companies that invest in quality and innovation.
As the voice of the European textile and clothing industry, Euratex represents around 200,000 companies that employ 1.3 million people. The industry is a key player in the global market, with exports valued at €64 billion. This mobilization highlights the industry's commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable future for European textile manufacturing.
