French Government Calls for EU Sanctions Amid Shein Content Controversies

The French government has intensified its opposition to the Chinese e-commerce platform Shein by urging the European Commission to swiftly investigate and impose sanctions. This development follows alarming discoveries of illegal products, including dolls with pedopornographic characteristics and Category A weapons, listed for sale on Shein's platform. Economy Minister Roland Lescure and Digital Minister Anne Le Hénaff officially communicated these concerns to the Commission, citing Shein's failure to comply with the Digital Services Act regulations aimed at protecting minors and combating illegal content.

Following these findings, France has suspended Shein's website access domestically and formally requested European action to ensure company compliance. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the suspension remains until Shein adheres to French laws. Concurrently, judicial efforts were initiated by the Interior Minister to block the site over serious allegations regarding illicit products. Clara Chappaz, a former digital minister, highlighted that 14 EU countries are pursuing measures against Shein, which has already faced nearly €200 million in fines this year for breaches related to personal data protection and consumer safety.

However, legal experts explain that the French ability to block Shein is limited by European law, as the company's European headquarters are based in Dublin. French law permits blocking sites primarily dedicated to illegal content, but Shein’s broader commercial activity complicates swift restrictions. Blocking access may also be circumvented by users employing VPNs. Thus, substantial sanctions likely require coordinated action by EU authorities, notably Ireland or Brussels.

At the regional political level, Xavier Bertrand, president of Hauts-de-France, joined calls for Shein’s ban, expressing concerns over its societal and environmental impact. His stance aligns with growing political pressure amid the upcoming presidential election.

This concerted national and regional response against Shein illustrates France’s determination to uphold digital regulations and consumer protections within the European framework amid growing scrutiny of major online platforms.