EU to Question Shein Over Illegal Items on Marketplace

The European Commission is set to meet representatives of Chinese fashion giant Shein this Friday, following French government calls for an investigation into the online marketplace. The move comes after reports surfaced that Shein was allegedly selling child-like sex dolls and other banned weapons through third-party sellers.

Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), large online platforms are legally required to monitor and verify the products offered by sellers on their sites. This includes proactively removing illegal or non-compliant items and ensuring transparent reporting of third-party activities.

The Commission’s spokesperson stated that its services responsible for enforcing the DSA will contact Shein representatives to discuss the matter. While no immediate penalties have been announced, the meeting signals a potential tightening of scrutiny over global e-commerce platforms operating within the EU.

The investigation highlights growing European concerns about online marketplaces' responsibilities in curbing harmful or illegal content, especially when it involves minors or dangerous items. Experts say that while companies often rely on automated checks, human oversight remains crucial in preventing illegal products from reaching consumers.

With this inquiry, the EU underscores that compliance with the DSA is not optional, and platforms must prioritize consumer safety while maintaining transparency over third-party listings.