France requests temporary suspension of Shein website in court hearing for three months

PARIS, Dec 5 Legal representatives of Chinese e-commerce platform Shein appeared in a Paris court on Friday as the French government sought a three-month suspension of the company's website. The move follows the discovery of prohibited items, including childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons, on Sheins marketplace.

Shein had temporarily disabled its marketplace in France on November 5, where third-party sellers list goods, but its main site offering Shein-branded apparel remains operational.

The French authorities argue that a minimum three-month suspension is necessary to ensure Shein complies with national regulations. They cited Article 6.3 of Frances digital economy law, which allows judges to enforce measures aimed at preventing or stopping harm caused by online content.

Additionally, France summoned major internet providers Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR requesting that they block access to Sheins website. The court must determine whether the suspension is justified and compatible with European Union law.

Last week, the Paris prosecutors office noted that a three-month ban could be considered disproportionate under European Court of Human Rights standards if Shein can demonstrate it has halted all illegal sales. Nonetheless, the prosecutor fully supported the governments demand that Shein provide proof of steps taken to remove such products.

The case is part of wider EU scrutiny of Chinese e-commerce companies, including Shein and Temu, under the Digital Services Act, amid concerns about consumer safety, unlawful product sales, and unfair market practices.

In parallel, U.S. authorities are also examining Shein. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into whether the retailer has violated state laws regarding unethical labor practices and the sale of unsafe consumer goods.

Author: Logan Reeves