France E-commerce: Is a Shein Website Suspension in France Still on the Table?

French authorities have withdrawn their request for a full temporary shutdown of Shein’s website in France, opting instead to push for stricter controls and legal compliance measures.

The move follows concerns over illegal products previously found on the fast-fashion platform, including banned weapons and sexually explicit items deemed inappropriate for minors.

Focus Shifts to Compliance Measures

At a Paris court hearing on 5 December, state lawyers confirmed they were no longer seeking a three-month suspension of the entire Shein website. Instead, the government is demanding proof that the retailer has taken concrete steps to ensure all items sold on the platform comply with French law.

Authorities are calling for stronger safeguards such as product filtering systems and age-verification tools to prevent minors from accessing pornographic or otherwise prohibited content.

Marketplace Remains Under Scrutiny

While Shein’s main fashion website remains accessible, the retailer’s third-party marketplace is still at the centre of the legal case. French authorities are asking the court to maintain the suspension of the marketplace until Shein can demonstrate that adequate controls are fully operational.

Shein disabled its marketplace in France on 5 November, after regulators identified illegal products listed by third-party sellers. The company’s own branded clothing continues to be available to French customers.

Legal Basis and Proportionality Concerns

The case is being pursued under Article 6.3 of France’s digital economy law, which grants judges the authority to impose measures aimed at preventing harm caused by online content.

Prosecutors have acknowledged that a full website suspension could be considered disproportionate under European human rights case law, provided Shein can prove it has ended all illegal sales. Despite this, authorities remain firm in their demand that the retailer present clear evidence of preventative measures.

Proceedings Continue

Court hearings are ongoing, with French regulators continuing to assess whether Shein’s actions are sufficient to address consumer safety concerns without imposing broader restrictions on its ecommerce operations.

Source: retailgazette.co.uk