The federal government is keeping a low profile on possible priority checks of packages from the fashion retailer Shein at airports, following the example of France. Possible measures would not be announced in advance, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance when asked by the German Press Agency. The customs administration continually checks consignments of goods in online retail in a risk-oriented manner and on a random basis.
When asked about the action against Shein in France, it was said: The ministry had taken note of the actions of the authorities there, but generally did not comment on the actions of its European partners.
France controls 200,000 Shein packages
The French government initiated proceedings against Shein on Wednesday – until the online retailer can prove compliance with all regulations. A major 24-hour inspection began on Thursday: Customs and the French Competition, Consumer Protection and Anti-Fraud Authority began examining 200,000 Shein packages at Paris airport.
It had previously become public that the online retailer was offering sex dolls with a child-like appearance. A deputy also raised the alarm because the platform was used to sell weapons that are banned in France without a special permit. According to Trade Minister Serge Papin, eight out of ten Shein products inspected in previous inspections did not meet standards.
Shein announced that he would cooperate with the authorities. In addition to a sales stop for third-party products, all products that are not clothing would be temporarily removed from the platform.
Retail demands a clear signal
The German Trade Association (HDE) called on the federal government to initiate large-scale controls in Germany based on the model of the campaign in France. “A clear signal is needed. We must no longer tolerate the systematic legal violations by platforms and traders from the Far East,” said HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth. The association is calling for more staff and better equipment for customs and market surveillance.
The Federal Ministry of Finance did not want to comment on this. It also declined to comment on public criticism of Shein. Due to customs and tax secrecy, no information can be provided about individual companies.
Shein is one of the largest online shops in Germany. In a current ranking by the retail research institute EHI, the shopping portal takes 7th place. Last year, Shein’s sales in this country rose by 18 percent to 1.1 billion euros. There was also income from the marketplace business. Shein doesn’t sell there itself, but offers traders a platform – for fees.
Other platforms also in sight
In France, Shein escapes a side ban for the time being. The government has ensured that Shein has removed all illegal products from its platform, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Friday. However, the company is still under observation by the state authorities. However, the government is planning further measures. The sale of illegal products was also discovered on other platforms, the statement said.
In addition to a court case in Paris, there are four investigations underway against Shein for the sale of dolls with a child pornographic nature. Hundreds of thousands of Shein packages were also confiscated by customs. At the European level, France had called on the EU Commission to investigate and take tough action against Shein.