Shein Challenges French Crackdown in Court
- Summary Shein has contested the French government’s actions against its marketplace in a Paris court hearing.
- The case follows allegations that banned weapons and child‑like sex dolls were sold on the platform.
- Authorities are demanding stronger safety controls, while Shein argues the measures are disproportionate and discriminatory.
Legal Dispute Over Marketplace Controls
Lawyers representing Shein accused France of unfairly targeting the Chinese online retailer. Julia Bombardier described the government’s actions as discriminatory, claiming the company was subject to political and media pressure. The controversy began when France’s consumer watchdog discovered prohibited items on Shein’s marketplace. The government responded by seeking suspension of the platform, coinciding with the opening of Shein’s first Paris store.
French state lawyer Renaud Le Gunehec demanded that Shein implement safeguards such as age verification and filtering. He argued that minors must be prevented from accessing pornographic content and insisted on compliance with French law. Although the state initially sought a three‑month suspension, it later moderated its request. Shein’s marketplace in France has already been disabled, though its clothing site remains active.
Government Findings and Company Response
Authorities reported examining 200,000 Shein packages at Charles de Gaulle airport in a single day. They claimed that 80 percent of the products were non‑compliant with regulations. Bombardier questioned the credibility of this figure, arguing that such volume could not realistically be inspected in 24 hours. The court is expected to deliver a ruling on December 19.
Shein’s legal team contends that the state’s demands are irrelevant since the marketplace has already been suspended. Lawyer Kami Haeri added that Arcom, the French communications regulator, lacks jurisdiction over platforms. The defense described the measures as disproportionate and potentially unlawful. The state cited Article 6.3 of France’s digital economy law, which empowers judges to impose remedies against harmful online content.
Broader Scrutiny and International Context
The Paris prosecutor’s office noted that a full suspension might be excessive under European human rights case law. However, prosecutors supported requiring Shein to prove it has eliminated illegal sales. The dispute reflects wider European concerns about consumer safety and unfair competition under the Digital Services Act. Chinese platforms such as Shein and Temu have faced increasing regulatory attention across the EU.
In the United States, Shein is also under investigation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a probe into possible violations of labor laws and unsafe product sales. These parallel inquiries highlight the global challenges facing fast‑fashion platforms. Regulatory bodies in multiple jurisdictions are questioning the practices of online marketplaces that rely heavily on third‑party sellers.
Enforcement Scale
The French government’s claim of inspecting 200,000 packages in one day illustrates the scale of scrutiny. Such mass checks are rare and raise questions about feasibility and methodology. Even if partially accurate, the figure underscores the intensity of official monitoring of Shein’s operations. The case may set a precedent for how European regulators enforce compliance against large e‑commerce platforms.
