The Association of Knitwear and Ready-to-Wear Garment Manufacturers (SEPEE), describing the imposition of a 3-euro duty per item on each low-value package as a positive development.
As SEPEE points out, the regulation took effect on July 1, 2026, following years of pressure from European businesses on Brussels. In fact, the Association had co-signed a joint statement with corresponding organizations from other European countries as early as September 2025, calling for immediate action by the European Commission.
According to the data it cites, nearly six billion low-value small parcels were imported into the EU in 2025, with more than 90% originating from China. It is estimated that more than one-third of these shipments contained clothing, footwear, and accessories, reinforcing the penetration of so-called “fast fashion” into the European market.
SEPEE argues that this practice encourages the overconsumption of low-quality products with a limited lifespan, resulting in significant environmental impacts. At the same time, it notes that in many cases, issues arise regarding compliance with labor regulations as well as copyright protection.
However, the Association’s leadership believes that the new fee is insufficient to ensure a level playing field or to adequately protect consumers and the environment. For this reason, it is calling for the imposition of a higher processing fee, as well as the full implementation of the European Product Passport, in order to strengthen traceability, oversight, and accountability throughout the supply chain.
At the same time, it calls on the Greek government to follow the example of France, which has already imposed additional fees ranging from 0.25 to 6 euros per product on “fast fashion” companies, and has also imposed restrictions on their advertising, including promotion through influencers.
Source: APE-MPE