France has temporarily suspended the operation of the cheap online platform Shein.
On the instructions of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the government has initiated a procedure to suspend the operation of Shein’s site until the platform can prove to authorities that all of its content complies with French laws and regulations, the Economy Ministry said in Paris. The ministers should draw an initial interim assessment within the next 48 hours.
Accompanied by protests, Shein in France opened its first store area in the traditional Parisian department store BHV Marais on Wednesday. The opening was particularly explosive because it was only a few days ago that it became public that the online retailer was offering sex dolls with children’s looks. The French government then threatened to block the platform if the behavior was repeated.
In addition, a conservative MP raised the alarm because the online platform was used to sell weapons that are banned in France without a special permit. According to the deputy, these were knives and brass knuckles.