The French government has intensified pressure on the European Union to launch a formal investigation into Chinese online fast-fashion giant Shein. The move comes amid growing concerns over the company’s sale of child-like sex dolls and illegal weapons through its online marketplace.
France Moves to Ban Shein Over Illicit Products
On November 5, 2025, France announced a ban on Shein following the discovery of prohibited items on its platform. In response, Shein temporarily suspended its marketplace operations in France to “review and strengthen” its oversight of third-party sellers. The company had previously halted the sale of all sex dolls globally.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated in an interview with Franceinfo, “I believe the platform is evidently in breach of European rules. The European Commission must take action. It cannot wait any longer.”
EU Commission Urged to Act
France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure and Digital Minister Anne le Henanff sent a formal letter to EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen, urging the European Commission to investigate Shein without delay. The ministers highlighted the risk of similar breaches in other EU member states.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter and said the 27-nation bloc will evaluate the claims and decide the next steps.
Marketplace Operations Limited in France
While Shein’s website remains accessible in France, it now features only the company’s own clothing products. Other popular categories, including toys, homeware, and gadgets, have been removed temporarily from the marketplace, which is a key revenue source for the retailer.
German Authorities Call for EU-Wide Action
The pressure on Shein is not limited to France. Germany’s retail association HDE has called for stronger action against the platform. HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth emphasized, “Violations of laws and regulations must have consequences.”
German testing agency Stiftung Warentest recently reported that 110 out of 162 products purchased from Shein and rival platform Temu failed to meet EU safety standards, citing unsafe toys and toxic metals in jewelry.
Shein and the EU Digital Services Act
Shein is classified as a “Very Large Online Platform” under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation gives the EU powers to investigate platforms for potential legal violations. The DSA mandates that online marketplaces:
- Verify and monitor third-party sellers
- Remove non-compliant or illegal products
- Protect consumers, especially minors, from dangerous or illicit content
Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover. Shein reported global revenues of $37 billion in 2024.
Rising Scrutiny of Chinese E-Commerce Platforms
Shein currently has nearly 146 million monthly users in the EU. Earlier this year, the European Commission requested internal documentation from Shein regarding risks associated with illegal goods and content.
Other Chinese platforms, including Temu, AliExpress, and Wish, are under investigation for similar regulatory breaches, including allowing minors access to pornographic content.
What’s Next for Shein?
The European Commission will now assess the French letter and decide whether to open a formal investigation under the Digital Services Act. Meanwhile, France continues to monitor Shein’s activities closely, alongside other EU member states concerned about consumer safety and illegal marketplace activity.
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