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The European Union (EU) intensified its scrutiny of online fashion retailer Shein on Wednesday following public outrage in France over the alleged sale of sex dolls designed to resemble children.
French authorities first raised objections in early November, accusing the company of listing products that sexualise minors and moving to suspend the platform’s operations in the country.
On Wednesday, pressure mounted from Brussels as the European Commission formally requested detailed information from Shein regarding the sale of the dolls and other potentially illegal products, including weapons.
The request was made under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large digital platforms to protect users from harmful and unlawful content.
An EU spokesperson said there were “serious indications” that Shein could be creating widespread consumer risks across the single market.
Concerns were also raised that illegal weapons might be accessible through the platform.
Shortly after, members of the European Parliament called for stronger powers to suspend online retailers more quickly, pointing to the Shein case as evidence that existing enforcement tools may be too slow.
In France, the government is seeking to impose a three-month suspension on Shein.
A court hearing scheduled for Wednesday was postponed until December 5 to allow time for legal submissions to be reviewed.
Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, said it is cooperating fully with authorities and confirmed it has banned the sale of all sex dolls on its website.
The European Commission said it wants clear information on how Shein prevents children from accessing inappropriate material and on the safeguards in place to prevent the sale of illegal goods.
While the information request does not amount to an accusation, it could lead to a formal investigation or financial penalties if breaches are found.
French prosecutors are also investigating rival platforms AliExpress and Joom over similar listings.
The French government said it will bring civil action against both companies.
Beyond the immediate controversy, EU authorities are also examining whether Shein and other overseas retailers gain an unfair advantage by shipping products that fail to meet European safety and consumer standards.
The bloc is now pushing to end a tax loophole that allows packages worth under €150 to enter the EU without customs charges, with plans to close it as early as 2026.
