Despite Controversy Over Illegal Weapons and Adult Dolls, Shein Thrives in Paris as EU Steps Up Pressure

Shein Sells Adult Dolls Resembling Children Online
Controversy in France; Government Urges EU-Level Sanctions
Commission: "Consumer Risks," Shein: "Responding Promptly"

The European Union (EU) has stepped up pressure on Shein, a Chinese e-commerce company embroiled in controversy for selling adult dolls resembling children and illegal weapons online. According to Yonhap News, the European Commission stated at a briefing held in Brussels on the 26th (local time) that "Shein could pose systematic risks to consumers across the EU," and officially requested Shein to provide information regarding its consumer protection policies.

The European Union (EU) has stepped up pressure on Shein, a Chinese e-commerce company embroiled in controversy for selling adult dolls resembling children and illegal weapons online. The image shows Shein's permanent offline store at the BHV department store located in Paris, France, on the 9th. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Previously, the French government launched an investigation into Shein for violating the protection of minors after the company sold adult dolls resembling children, as well as axes and small firearms-classified as illegal weapons-online in France. The French government also called on the European Commission to investigate Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The DSA is a law introduced to prevent the spread of online disinformation and harmful or illegal goods or content, and to protect minors. Under this law, the European Commission has the authority to initiate investigations into very large online platforms such as Shein. If violations are found, Shein could face fines of up to 6% of its annual global revenue.

The Commission added, "We suspect that Shein may pose systematic risks to consumers across Europe following the recent controversy," and stated that it had requested Shein to submit detailed information and internal documents on what measures it has taken to prevent the online distribution of illegal products and to ensure minors cannot access the problematic items.

On the same day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging that it should become easier to suspend the operations of e-commerce platforms like Shein that have caused social controversy. Shein stated, "We have received an official request for information from the EU and are working to respond promptly."

Currently, the French government is pursuing a three-month suspension of Shein's operations, but Shein has avoided suspension by removing all illegal products from its website. On the 9th, Shein also opened its first permanent offline store at the BHV department store in Paris. According to Frederic Merlin, Chairman of BHV's parent company Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), more than 50,000 people visited the store within four days of its opening.