Italy Fights Back Against Ultra-Fast Fashion

Giulio Felloni, President of the Italian Fashion Federation, is raising the alarm about the negative impact of “ultra-fast fashion” on the economy and the environment.

The Problem: Tax Loopholes

Every day, about 12 million parcels worth less than €150 enter the EU. Because these low-value packages are exempt from customs duties and rarely inspected, they create:

• Unfair competition for Italian retailers.
• Lower competitiveness for traditional Italian fashion companies.

The Proposed Solutions

The Federation has suggested several measures to the Italian government to protect local businesses:

• Cancel tax exemptions for low-value imported parcels.
• Apply environmental fees to non-EU packages under €150.
• Expand Responsibility (EPR): Make foreign companies selling in Italy pay for their environmental impact, even if they produce outside the EU.

A Call to Consumers

President Felloni emphasizes that fashion is a “social cornerstone” of cities. He urges shoppers to choose high-quality, durable, and responsible items rather than “disposable” or single-use fashion.

***Photo Reference: https://europeannewsroom.com/brussels-takes-next-step-in-customs-reform-with-eu-customs-authority/***