Retail trade Child-look sex dolls - EU demands information from Shein
Following a scandal involving the sale of sex dolls and weapons, the EU Commission is demanding information from the low-cost online retailer Shein. There are indications from the French authorities that illegal goods are being offered on the online marketplace.
26.11.2025, 17:43
SDA
Shein could therefore pose a "systemic risk" to consumers in the EU, an EU spokesperson said on Wednesday. The Commission has now issued a request for information asking the platform to provide detailed information and internal documents on how it protects minors from inappropriate content and prevents the sale of illegal products, according to a statement.
Shein stated that it had received the request and intended to respond immediately. Shein shares the goal of ensuring that consumers in the EU can shop online with peace of mind.
Already the 3rd request from the EU
The basis for the request for information is the Digital Services Act (DSA). Among other things, it is intended to ensure that platforms remove illegal content on their sites more quickly than before. In turn, it will make it easier for users to report such content. In principle, large providers have to follow more rules than small ones.
This is the third time that the EU has requested information from Shein. As a next step, the Commission could open proceedings against the company. According to the EU Commission spokesperson, the law only provides for the suspension of online platforms as a last resort.
Company under pressure in France
Shein is already under massive pressure in France from the government, which has initiated several proceedings against the online platform and is threatening to block the site in France. Shein opened its first permanent store in France at the beginning of the month.
The opening was particularly explosive because it had become public shortly beforehand that the online retailer was selling sex dolls with a child look and weapons that required a license in France.
At European level, France called on the EU Commission to investigate and crack down on Shein.
