France Demands to Suspend Shein's Operations for Three Months

• France plans to suspend the Shein site for three months.
• The government has identified illegal products on the platform, including sex toys.
• The hearing in court will take place in the middle of the week to consider the government's request.

The French government plans to file with the court in Paris a request for a three-month suspension of the Shein site in France. This decision follows the government's recent record of inadequate control over products sold on the platform.

On November 5, Shein already suspended its third-party marketplace, having discovered illegal products on the site, such as sex toys that resemble children, and weapons. Although its own clothing assortment remains accessible, the government intends to impose a temporary suspension of the site's operation to allow for a more thorough check of the products.

An official representative of the French finance ministry criticized the control of Shein, stating that the company has the technical capabilities for conducting checks, but does not do so.

The court hearing will take place in the middle of the week, during which the government's request will be considered. The court is expected to decide whether there is a reason for the suspension, as well as whether it complies with European Union legislation.

According to European legislation, online marketplaces do not bear direct responsibility for products sold by third parties, but are obliged to remove illegal products when they are informed about them.

France has also summoned to court major internet service providers, including Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR, with a request to block the Shein site. The government is also seeking to involve the European Commission in formal investigations regarding Shein due to illegal products.

Tags: Europe/Politics