Retail trade Shein escapes site ban in France for the time being
The low-cost online platform Shein has escaped being blocked in France for the time being. Shein had been targeted by the French authorities because of sex dolls and weapons.
07.11.2025, 22:23
SDA
"The government has succeeded in ensuring that Shein has removed all illegal products sold on its platform," announced the French Ministry of the Economy. However, Shein remains "under close observation by the state authorities", it said. The legal proceedings initiated against the company are also continuing.
On Wednesday, the French government initiated proceedings against the online retailer - until the platform can prove to the authorities that all of its content complies with French regulations. An interim assessment was to follow 48 hours later. On Friday, the French competition, consumer protection and anti-fraud authority (DGCCRF) then determined that no illegal products such as child pornography, stabbing weapons or certain medicines were being sold on Shein.
Other platforms also under scrutiny
However, the French government is planning further measures. The sale of illegal products has also been identified by state authorities on other platforms, according to the ministry's statement. "The government will initiate new proceedings against these platforms in the coming days", the authorities announced. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked for a new assessment of the situation to be carried out next week.
According to the statement, Shein is the subject of four investigations into the sale of child pornography dolls, in addition to court proceedings in Paris. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Shein packages have been confiscated by customs, which are reportedly still being checked and sanctions are being considered. At European level, France had already called on the EU Commission to investigate and crack down on Shein.
