BRUSSELS, November 7, 2025 – The European Commission announced that it will meet representatives of Chinese e-commerce giant Shein on Friday following a call by the French government for an investigation into the company’s online marketplace.

The French authorities raised concerns over Shein allegedly selling child-like sex dolls and banned weapons on its platform, prompting calls for a formal review of the retailer’s operations in Europe.

EU Digital Services Act Compliance

Under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has the authority to investigate large online platforms for non-compliant products and breaches of regulations. The law requires platforms like Shein to collect and verify information about third-party sellers and to monitor their marketplaces to ensure that illegal or harmful products are not offered to consumers.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said:

“This afternoon, our Commission’s services working on the DSA will be in touch with Shein representatives. We will take it from there and determine potential next steps under the DSA.”

Shein’s Response

Shein, which recently opened its first permanent store in Paris, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the French allegations or the upcoming EU meeting.

Implications for E-Commerce Regulation

This development underscores the growing regulatory scrutiny of global e-commerce platforms in Europe. The EU is increasingly focused on consumer protection, online safety, and compliance with digital regulations. Platforms failing to meet these standards risk investigations, fines, or restrictions under the DSA framework.

The outcome of the European Commission’s meeting with Shein could set a precedent for how international online retailers are held accountable for the products sold by third-party sellers in the EU.