(Nov 26): Shein is under pressure from the European Union to curb sales of childlike sex dolls and weapons on its third-party marketplace after French authorities reported the products earlier this month.
Regulators said Wednesday (Nov 26) they asked the e-commerce giant for detailed information and internal documents on how it ensures that minors are not exposed to age-inappropriate content and how it prevents the circulation of illegal products. On the same day, Shein won a brief reprieve in France from efforts by the government there to suspend its operations.
The commission said it “suspects that Shein’s system may pose a systemic risk for consumers across the entire European Union” following the reports in France.
The French government, which is seeking a three-month ban of Shein following the sales of childlike sex dolls and weapons, said it asked for the delay as lawyers for the retailer had sent arguments late. The hearing was rescheduled for Dec 5.
“The government has just asked for a postponement this morning, which shows that they’re not comfortable with the case,” Julia Bombardier, a lawyer for Shein, told reporters after the decision. “It’s a complete about-face.”
The public prosecutor’s office said in court that it would not support the government’s request to suspend Shein.
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French Finance Minister Roland Lescure applauded the commission’s decision, saying that the procedure stemmed from reports sent by French authorities and could “potentially lead to” a formal investigation into Shein. Shein declined to comment on the commission’s announcement.
Founded in China and now based in Singapore, Shein has faced fierce political pushback since it opened its first physical store at the BHV Marais in central Paris. Government officials have accused it and other predominantly Chinese e-commerce platforms that ship cheap clothing and other goods to customers of selling illegal products and undercutting local businesses.
France’s multi-pronged campaign against Shein underscores how the firm has become a political target even as the government struggles to reach a compromise on the budget. At least three ministries — finance, interior and digital — have taken up the issue and the company has also been summoned for questioning at the National Assembly.
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