Shein faces EU pressure to curb sales of sex dolls and weapons

[PARIS] 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 on Wednesday (Nov 26) that 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 European Commission said that 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 that 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 are 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.

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.

A Shein spokesperson said the company was working “promptly” to address the commission’s request for information. It also remains committed to working “transparently” with authorities and strengthening its compliance framework ahead of the December hearing in Paris.

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.

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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.

The country is also pushing the European Union to increase customs duties on small packages two years earlier than planned. The measure, currently slated for 2028, would end a customs duty exemption for all parcels under 150 euros (S$226), a major factor in the rapid growth of online retailers such as Shein that ship orders from abroad.

The UK on Wednesday indicated it too would remove customs duty relief for imports valued at £135 (S$232) or less by March 2029 at the latest.

“The UK is not alone in reforming its approach to low-value imports, with our international partners, including the US and EU, taking similar steps,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said as she delivered the country’s annual budget. BLOOMBERG