France Targets Online Marketplaces Over Illegal Listings

• Shein investigation highlights broader regulatory gaps in e-commerce

French authorities have launched a formal investigation into Shein and other online marketplaces following reports of childlike sex dolls and banned weapons being sold through their platforms. The case has reignited concerns about the lack of oversight in global e-commerce, where third-party sellers often operate with minimal scrutiny. Platforms such as Amazon, Temu, AliExpress, and Shein have grown rapidly by offering vast catalogs of low-cost goods, many of which bypass traditional safety and legal checks. Critics argue that the current system allows prohibited or counterfeit items to reappear under new listings shortly after removal.

Oversight Challenges in Expansive Catalogs

Shein’s website hosts an estimated 10 million items, most of which are supplied by third-party vendors rather than the company itself. According to e-commerce analyst Juozas Kaziukenas, the scale of the catalog makes manual review impractical, leaving gaps in content moderation. Shein claims to use automated detection tools and employs over 900 staff globally to monitor listings, while Amazon says it continuously screens its store to prevent violations. Despite these efforts, problematic products continue to surface, raising questions about the effectiveness of current safeguards.

European consumer advocates say marketplaces are not legally accountable for the goods sold through their platforms under existing EU regulations. Sylvia Maurer of BEUC and legal experts like Gabriela da Costa argue that this loophole enables foreign sellers to operate without an EU-based entity, making enforcement difficult. France’s customs reform proposal seeks to change this by holding platforms responsible for imported goods. The Paris prosecutor is now examining whether minors accessed explicit content via Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish, as part of a broader crackdown.

Customs Loopholes and Parcel Volume

France’s investigation also touches on the surge of low-value parcels entering the EU from Chinese platforms. Under current rules, packages valued under €150 are exempt from customs duties, allowing companies to ship directly to consumers at reduced cost. In 2024, the EU received 4.6 billion such parcels—twice the volume recorded in 2023. Officials say this influx includes counterfeit and unsafe products, with customs agents inspecting 100,000 parcels at Charles de Gaulle airport for violations.

French ministers have voiced frustration over the lack of accountability and the strain on regulatory systems. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the situation as cities being flooded with questionable goods, while Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin emphasized the need for tighter controls. The scandal has drawn attention to everyday issues such as mislabeled cosmetics and imitation goods that evade detection. Industry pressure and consumer advocacy have prompted France to pursue all available legal avenues to address the problem.

Broader Implications for Platform Responsibility

The Shein case underscores a growing debate over platform liability in global e-commerce. Former WTO Secretary-General Pascal Lamy likened the situation to social media, where companies claim ignorance of content flowing through their systems. He argued that platforms must take greater responsibility for what they host, especially when public safety is at stake. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, marketplaces may face stricter requirements to vet sellers and monitor listings more effectively.

La Poste, France’s national postal service, reported that Chinese platforms now account for one-fifth of its Colissimo parcel volume, with Amazon contributing another fifth. This data highlights the scale of consumer demand and the logistical challenges of monitoring cross-border shipments.