Major Irish warning over new fast fashion €5 and €10 extra charges rule change

IRELAND should follow France and slap €5 or €10 extra charges on fast fashion garments, it’s claimed.

The Labour Party is calling for urgent action on the “harmful impacts of fast fashion” here after the French government voted to kick in a major new environmental surcharge from next year.

The new French rules would see an extra charge of €5 on products from 2025, rising to €10 by 2030.

The French lower house has voted to implement the charge on cheaper, imported clothes – targeting sites like Temu and Shein.

And a similar move should be put in place in Ireland, the Labour Party said.

Labour’s Climate Spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan said: “France’s initiative marks a crucial milestone in the global fight against the harmful impacts of fast fashion.

“By introducing an environment surcharge, France is acknowledging the urgent need to address the pollution and overproduction associated with this industry.

“The proposed surcharge, linked to fast fashion’s ecological footprint, presents a viable solution to incentivise more sustainable consumption patterns.

“By gradually increasing the charge and directing proceeds towards subsidising producers of sustainable clothing, France sets a precedent for responsible environmental stewardship.”

Senator Moynihan said Ireland must not lag behind as production rates on fast fashion items are doubling, resulting in workers being overworked and underpaid.

She said: “The alarming statistics reveal the urgency of action. With a staggering 93 per cent of used clothes meeting a fate of being dumped, incinerated, or exported annually, Ireland faces a dire need for effective interventions and Government are burying their heads in the sand.

“Ireland must not lag behind, we must swiftly adopt similar measures to protect our environment and support sustainable fashion practices.”

Senator Moynihan sounded the alarm bell after the Copernicus Climate Change Service earlier revealed how March 2024 was the tenth month in a row to be the hottest on record.

And she said Labour is proposing a national repair and recycling company, alongside many other initiatives working to reduce clothes waste like Junk Kouture, Change Clothes Crumlin and the Oxfam Take Back Scheme.

Senator Moynihan added: “Labour’s proposal for a national repair and recycling company offers a pragmatic approach to mitigate the crisis. Enabling individuals to repair and prolong the lifespan of their clothing aligns with the ethos of sustainability and responsible consumption.

“Government must heed this call and implement comprehensive strategies to address our textile waste predicament.

“As we witness the alarming trend of consecutive heat record alarms, as recorded by the Copernicus Climate Change Service today, it is imperative for Government to grasp the gravity of the situation.

“Ireland cannot afford to delay action any longer. We call on the government to swiftly enact legislation akin to France’s initiative and undertake practical policies, such as establishing a national repair and recycling company, to combat the fast fashion crisis and safeguard our environment for future generations.”