France reacts to the scandal surrounding Shein's offers
In early November 2025, French media and regulators revealed that illegal products were available on the Shein platform. Among another things, sex dolls with the look of children and castets and machetes. Following the publicisation of the case by local consumer protection organisations and the prosecution in Paris, the government immediately reacted.
At the request of the Prime Minister, the suspension of Shein's operations in France was initiated until the company "demonstrates the full compatibility of its content with French lawIt’s okay. ” The information was confirmed by the Ministry of the Economy, stressing that the suspension may include both a block of access to the service and restrictions on marketplace activities.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the decision was made in parallel with the beginning of the world's first Shein stationary store at the Paris BHV trading house. These events have intensified public outrage and led to protests by industry. French fashion manufacturers have identified the presence of Chinese platform in the centre of the capital as "symbolic provocation towards the textile sector and local brandsIt’s okay. ”
Shein reaction. Suspension of the marketplace and cooperation with the prosecution
In consequence to the authorities' actions, Shein reported that it temporarily suspends the functioning of the marketplace, the section where independent suppliers sell. The platform reported that it had taken this step "on its own initiative“ In order to prevent further violations of the law and to analyse the offers of external sellers.
Shein's spokesperson in France Quentin Ruffat announced close cooperation with the D.A. and the transmission of recognition data of sellers and customers who could participate in the transaction. The company besides assured that it had removed all offers of erotic dolls and prohibited products, and its precedence is "maintain full compliance with local regulationsIt’s okay. ” However, this is not the first time that Shein is faced with French supervisory authorities. Previously, the platform received penalties of a full value of EUR 191 million for false promotions and non-compliance with cookie rules.
Read also: 70 percent of products from Shein and Temu do not meet EU safety standards
The French authorities call on the European Commission
The Shein case besides immediately reached the EU level. The Finance Minister Roland Lescure and the Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff sent a letter to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Henny Virkkunen, requesting an investigation into the Chinese platform. France called for the application of ‘provisional measures“to Shein and to make full usage of the powers of EU rules on product safety and consumer protection. The EC Ombudsman confirmed receipt of the application and recalled that akin actions against Shein had already started in February 2025. At the time, the Commission was investigating the sale of illegal products on the European market.
As a result, the Shein case becomes 1 of the first to test the effectiveness of the fresh EU large platform oversight mechanisms (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
FAQ. Frequently asked questions by e-sellers
- Does the suspension of Shein's activities mean a blockage in France?
Not fully. The procedure is temporary. The government may restrict access to the platform or suspend part of it (e.g. marketplace) until the company proves legal compliance. - Can the European Commission impose financial sanctions on SHEIN?
Yeah. Under the DSA, the Commission has the power to impose penalties of up to 6% of the company's yearly global turnover. - Can akin procedures cover another platforms?
Yeah. France has already announced that it is besides examining the actions of Temu, AliExpress and want in terms of the anticipation of illegally sharing content for minors. - How can e-shops in Poland be secure?
Through regular offers audits, control of discount policy, verification of suppliers and keeping a registry of product conformity certificates.
