French Government Intensifies Crackdown on Shein with Suspension Procedures and Massive Package Inspections

The French government has intensified its regulatory measures against Chinese fast fashion giant Shein amid growing concerns about legal compliance, unfair competition, and unsafe products. On November 6, 2025, authorities initiated a multi-pronged enforcement operation including a suspension procedure against Shein's online platform and a large-scale customs inspection at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport.

The Interior Ministry has launched an administrative and judicial suspension process that could lead to Shein’s website being blocked within three months if violations persist. The administrative approach, under the Consumer Code, could result in de-referencing and access restriction, while the judicial path involves seeking court orders to address serious public order concerns. Shein was given a 48-hour deadline to remove prohibited products, which allegedly include child-like sex dolls, machetes, and Category A weapons. Failure to comply may result in a digital requisition forcing the company to suspend its site entirely. In response, Shein has temporarily suspended its marketplace to review compliance (ID:132809).

Parallel to these legal steps, French customs undertook an unprecedented inspection operation at Paris' Charles-de-Gaulle airport. Authorized by Minister Serge Papin and Minister Amélie de Montchalin, customs officials are scrutinizing between 100,000 and 200,000 Shein packages—much higher than usual inspection levels. This initiative targets counterfeit and unsafe goods, focusing on problematic items such as the discovered pedophilic doll and machete. Children's toys are also being tested for choking hazards. The operation is expected to last for about a month, highlighting the government’s broader effort to regulate inexpensive imports harming local retailers and consumer safety (ID:132687).

Experts note the enforcement challenge due to many sellers being China-based, complicating regulatory compliance enforcement in Europe. Additionally, the potential financial penalties looming over Shein could reach up to 6% of its global revenue if it fails to meet French and EU legal standards. This situation echoes prior government action against similar platforms like Wish, which suffered de-referencing for non-compliance.

The combined legal, administrative, and customs measures underscore France’s robust stance on protecting its market, consumers, and legal framework from unregulated foreign e-commerce giants.