The European Commission has formally requested detailed explanations from global e-commerce giant Shein after reports emerged that childlike sex dolls and other illegal items were being sold on its platform, sparking widespread outrage in France.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Commission said it had issued the request for information under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), citing “preliminary indications” that prohibited goods including childlike sex dolls and weapons were available for purchase. Brussels warned that these findings suggest Shein’s systems “may pose a systemic risk for consumers across the entire European Union.”
Officials are seeking internal documents and clarity on the company’s safeguards, particularly measures designed to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful or age-inappropriate content. The EU also wants a full account of the steps Shein has taken to block illegal products and an assessment of how effective those measures have been.
While a request for information is not an accusation of wrongdoing, it may trigger deeper investigations or financial penalties. The DSA grants the EU sweeping powers, including the ability as a last resort to suspend the operations of platforms that fail to comply.
The controversy gained momentum in France earlier this month after authorities confirmed the sale of sex dolls resembling children on several e-commerce sites. The French government has already moved to suspend Shein’s platform, and a Paris court is expected to hear the case next week after a brief delay. Prosecutors have also opened investigations into both Shein and AliExpress.
Shein, founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, has pledged full cooperation with French authorities and announced a ban on all sex dolls on its site.