PARIS / BRUSSELS, November 6, 2025 – France has formally called on the European Commission to launch an investigation into Shein, the Chinese-founded online retailer, after authorities discovered the sale of sex dolls with child-like features on the platform.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Paris has requested the EU to initiate an investigation and impose appropriate sanctions on Shein, citing clear violations of European regulations.

“Shein is clearly breaching European rules,” Barrot told France Info, stressing the need for regulatory oversight over large online platforms.

Website Suspension and Brick-and-Mortar Launch

The French government has initiated proceedings to suspend Shein’s website in France, coinciding with the opening of the company’s first physical store in Paris. Despite the controversy, the store welcomed hundreds of visitors, highlighting Shein’s strong consumer draw even amid scrutiny.

Alleged Violations and Calls for EU Action

The clampdown follows revelations that Shein was not only offering child-like sex dolls, but also potentially selling illegal weapons on its platform. In response, Economy Minister Roland Lescure and Digital Minister Anne Le Henaff sent a letter to the European Commission calling for provisional measures to investigate and clarify the abuses that allowed these items to be marketed in the EU.

The letter warns that the Commission could impose fines of up to 6% of Shein’s global turnover and take measures to suspend its activities within the European Union.

“We have allowed large online platforms to flourish whose rules are set by Chinese and American billionaires and which disrupt the economic, social, and democratic life of the nation,” Barrot said. “This is unacceptable.”

EU Border Control and Consumer Safety

Barrot emphasized the need to regain control over imports into the EU to ensure that illegal and unsafe products do not reach European consumers. The investigation highlights the EU’s increasing scrutiny of e-commerce platforms under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which obliges platforms to monitor and remove illegal goods and ensure compliance with consumer protection standards.

Implications for Shein

The investigation and potential sanctions could significantly impact Shein’s operations in Europe, as the company also faces criticism for its environmental impact, labor practices, and marketing practices. The case underscores growing EU efforts to regulate global e-commerce platforms and enforce compliance with consumer protection and product safety laws.