The French government dramatically softened its demands against the fast-fashion giant Shein during a recent Paris court hearing. Officials initially sought a sweeping three-month suspension of Shein’s entire website in France. They have since adjusted their request. The state now demands that Shein must prove its products comply with French and European law, focusing on stronger site controls rather than an outright ban.
This legal action stems from the discovery of childlike sex dolls and prohibited weapons sold on Shein’s third-party marketplace section. The French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) flagged the items, noting their disturbing categorization and content. This finding prompted the government to pursue an accelerated judicial procedure to force the company into tighter compliance.
The state’s current position, articulated by a government lawyer, demands that Shein implement immediate technical controls. These measures include strict age verification and content filtering mechanisms. The goal is to prevent minors from accessing pornographic or illegal content. The lawyer specifically requested the court to enforce a suspension of the marketplace until Shein submits evidence of these controls to the French independent administrative agency, Arcom.
The Paris prosecutor’s office supported the government’s demand for Shein to provide clear evidence of compliance. However, the prosecutor suggested that a three-month total website suspension might be “disproportionate.” This perspective aligned with concerns regarding proportionality under the European Court of Human Rights case law.
Shein’s legal team strongly refuted the government’s actions. They labeled the prosecution as disproportionate and even “discriminatory.” The lawyers emphasized that Shein voluntarily suspended its third-party marketplace in France on November 5. This action came shortly after the initial discovery of the banned items. However, the core site selling Shein-branded clothing remains operational. Shein argues it already took sufficient action by removing the offending marketplace and instituting its own investigation.
The French government remains skeptical of the company’s efforts, suggesting Shein possesses the necessary technical and financial means to perform stringent checks but fails to do so effectively. Furthermore, French customs authorities reportedly examined 200,000 Shein packages and claimed 80% of the products were non-compliant with regulations. Shein’s lawyers questioned the feasibility and accuracy of this high inspection volume.
This legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of broader European scrutiny. The European Commission has already requested Shein provide extensive information on how it prevents the sale of illegal products under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The French government’s push against Shein also coincides with efforts to curb the dominance of ultra-fast fashion retailers and implement laws targeting their environmental and competitive impacts. A ruling on this complex case is expected later this month
