PARIS / BRUSSELS, November 6, 2025 – France has formally called on the European Commission to investigate Shein, the global fast-fashion e-commerce giant, after authorities discovered the sale of illegal items, including sex dolls with child-like features and Class A weapons, on its online marketplace.

The move comes as Shein opened its first permanent brick-and-mortar store in Paris, drawing hundreds of shoppers despite protests and growing controversy. Activists criticized Shein for forced labor, environmental harm, and marketing unsafe products.

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French Government Urges EU Action

Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, along with Economy Minister Roland Lescure and Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff, sent a letter to Henna Virkkunen, European Commission executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, requesting that the EU exercise its full powers under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

“The repeated marketing of illegal content shows that the platform has failed to comply with its obligations under the Digital Services Act, particularly in terms of protecting minors, combating illegal content, and ensuring the traceability of its sellers,” the ministers stated.

France has also initiated proceedings to suspend Shein’s online marketplace in the country until it demonstrates full compliance with French law. The French finance ministry confirmed that if prohibited items remain on the site, authorities may block access to Shein in France.

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Allegations: Illegal Products and Weapons

French authorities have uncovered not only child-like sex dolls but also large quantities of illegal weapons, including firearms, machetes, and other war materials. Shein, which has over 45 million European users, falls under the EU’s list of “very large online platforms” subject to stricter scrutiny, requiring the company to:

• Protect online users, especially minors
• Monitor and remove illegal content
• Ensure traceability of third-party sellers
• Assess and mitigate systemic risks from its platform

Failure to comply could result in fines up to 6% of Shein’s annual profits, as well as potential suspension of operations in EU countries.

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Shein Responds

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein pledged to work with French authorities to address concerns swiftly. The company has also removed all sex dolls from its French platform following alerts from fraud watchdogs.

Frederic Merlin, CEO of the BHV department store hosting Shein’s Paris store, expressed hope that the opening would attract shoppers despite protests. According to store figures, nearly 8,000 visitors attended the launch, demonstrating the brand’s strong consumer draw.

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EU and Digital Services Act Implications

The Digital Services Act (DSA) gives the EU broad powers to regulate online marketplaces. Shein’s case underscores ongoing challenges in controlling illegal and unsafe products in the fast-growing e-commerce sector.

The EU is also examining Shein for consumer law violations, including fake discounts, misleading product information, and environmental concerns. French authorities are now inspecting around 200,000 Shein packages at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to ensure compliance.

“Platforms that benefit from the European market must adhere to its principles,” said Anne Le Henanff. “The era of impunity is over.”

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Public Backlash and Activism

Protests erupted outside the Paris store, with activists distributing flyers condemning Shein for environmental pollution and suspected forced labor. The store opening proceeded regardless, highlighting tensions between consumer demand and regulatory oversight.

The French government’s push reflects broader EU concerns over fast fashion regulation, consumer safety, and holding global online retailers accountable.