The French government has announced plans to suspend Shein, the popular online fashion retailer, amid growing controversy surrounding its sales practices. The move comes amid widespread protests and serious allegations against the company, including the sale of child-like sex dolls and the use of forced labor in its supply chain.
According to a statement from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office, the suspension will remain in place until Shein demonstrates full compliance with French laws and regulations. “On the instructions of the prime minister, the government is initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations,” the office said. An initial review by government ministers is expected within the next 48 hours.
Shein has also announced it will suspend products sold by third-party sellers in France as it works through these challenges. Despite the controversies, many French consumers remain loyal to the brand. One shopper remarked, “I have €200 a month to spend on clothes. With that I can buy 50 T-shirts from Shein or I can buy three T-shirts made in France.” Another added, “I’ve ordered hundreds of euros of stuff from Shein online. It has everything… Whatever they [protesters] do or say, I’m here to shop and I’m going in and buying whatever I find I like.”
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Questions surrounding the authenticity of “Made in France” labels have further fueled the debate. “We are told we should buy ‘made in France,’ but where is the proof that things in the other shops that are twice as expensive are produced in France? I know exactly what I want: a pair of shorts that cost €4 that would cost me €25 elsewhere,” one consumer stated.
In addition to the child-like sex doll allegations, Shein faces serious accusations of using forced labor, specifically involving Uyghur workers in China. French authorities have launched an investigation into these claims, further complicating Shein’s operations in the country.
Shein has expressed willingness to fully cooperate with authorities during the investigation and compliance process, signaling an intent to resolve the issues and continue operating.