France initiates proceedings to suspend Shein

The move came little over an hour after the retailer opened its first physical store in the world, on the sixth floor of Paris department store BHV. 

The economy ministry said under the prime minister’s order proceedings would last for “as long as necessary for the platform to prove to authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations”.

The retailer said it would co-operate fully with prosecutors who are also investigating Temu, AliExpress and Wish. Shein said it had temporarily suspended listings from independent third-party vendors while it tightened up rules on how they operate. 

“This suspension enables us to strengthen accountability and ensure every product meets our standards and legal obligations,” said Shein’s head of public affairs in France Quentin Ruffat. 

Quentin Ruffat also promised to provide information on sellers, buyers and products involved in selling the childlike sex dolls on its site. 

The opening of the store in Paris drew protests from citizens and retailers, with a number of clothing brands having said they will leave the department store. Outside, protesters carried placards and one person was said to have let off a foul-smelling spary. 

Shein has plans to open further stores in France, including inside Galeries Lafayette department stores, but the department store has withdrawn its name. Shein is also set to open in Angers, Dijon, Grenoble, Le Mans, Limoges, Orléans and Reims.

The BBC reported that AliExpress said it took the matter very seriously, it had removed listings once it became aware of them and that “Sellers found to violate or trying to circumvent these requirements will be penalised in accordance with our rules,”. Temu said it was not involved in the case and did not allow the sale of such items on its platform, although it told the BBC it was working with French authorities “to reinforce our minor protection mechanism”.