France has formally requested the European Union’s executive arm to investigate fast-fashion giant Shein for allegedly selling illegal items, including child-like sex dolls and weapons, on its expansive online marketplace. Two French ministers, Roland Lescure and Anne Le Henanff, have sent a letter to Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, urging immediate action. The ministers emphasized that Shein must comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s regulatory framework aimed at ensuring online platform safety and user protection. The French government has initiated procedures to suspend access to Shein’s marketplace in France unless the platform demonstrates compliance with national laws. Authorities discovered not only child-like sex dolls but also significant quantities of illegal ‘Class A’ weapons, including firearms, knives, and war materials, on the platform. Shein, which was classified as a ‘very large online platform’ by the EU last year due to its 45 million European users, faces stringent regulatory requirements. Non-compliance could result in suspension and fines of up to 6% of its annual profits. The company, founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, has pledged to collaborate with French authorities to address concerns promptly.
France urges EU to investigate Shein for selling illegal items including child-like sex dolls
