France calls on EU to probe Shein, take action against retailer

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Paris has initiated two potential suspension procedures against Chinese e-commerce giant Shein.

Paris has initiated two potential suspension procedures against Chinese e-commerce giant Shein.

PHOTO: AFP

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France has asked the European Commission to investigate Shein Group and take added steps against the Chinese e-commerce giant, after the

French government moved to suspend the platform

over complaints about sales of childlike sex dolls and weapons.

The French government’s call for the European Union to step into the feud comes after Paris initiated two potential suspension procedures against Shein. A report to the prosecutor’s office found sales of machetes and brass knuckles, amid an uproar over sex dolls offered on the platform.

According to the letter to the commission, provided by the French Finance Ministry, Europe can hit large online platforms with fines of up to 6 per cent of their global revenue and take steps to suspend their activities. 

“France calls on the European Commission to fully exercise these powers – including through the issuance of provisional measures against the platform – and to promptly conduct investigations to shed full light on the malfunctions that led to the marketing of illegal products on this platform,” French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and Digital Minister Anne le Henanff said in a letter addressed to the commission’s vice-president, Ms Henna Virkkunen.

Shein did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg News. BLOOMBERG

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