Particle.news
Download on the App Store

France Moves to Suspend Shein Website, Seeks EU DSA Probe Over Illegal Listings

Authorities cite listings of childlike sex dolls alongside Class A weapons.

Overview

  • France's finance ministry opened a formal procedure to suspend access to Shein's French online store until the company proves compliance with national law.
  • Ministers Roland Lescure and Anne Le Henanff asked EU executive Henna Virkkunen to launch a Digital Services Act investigation and consider interim measures.
  • Officials reported finding childlike sexual dolls and large quantities of illegal Class A weapons on the platform, including firearms, large knives and machetes.
  • As a very large online platform under the DSA, Shein faces potential suspension and fines up to 6% of annual revenue, while French law allows 24-hour removal orders and ISP/search-engine blocking for noncompliance.
  • Shein said it will cooperate as France prepares a 48-hour progress report, the French-language site remained accessible, and a new Paris store opening drew crowds and a small protest.