French Court Targets Shein in Product Safety Showdown

Shein's Paris court hearing involves accusations of being unfairly targeted by France amidst a government crackdown on illegal products on its site. The online platform is urged to implement safety controls. Legal representatives argue against a suspension of its marketplace, with a decision expected by December 19.

Shein faces a legal battle in Paris, accused of being unfairly singled out in France's crackdown on illegal product sales. The Chinese online platform argues it's being targeted by a 'media and political cabal.' It is at the center of controversy following the discovery of banned items like weapons and child-resembling sex dolls on its site, prompting the French government to act decisively.

The French state's lawyer, Renaud Le Gunehec, demands Shein prove product compliance with the law and implement stringent controls, such as age verification, to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content. The state's demands originally included a three-month platform suspension, but they have since eased, requiring safety measures to be shown to regulator Arcom.

Representatives for Shein argue that the state's demands are disproportionate and beyond legal jurisdiction, citing an existing marketplace suspension. A December 19 court decision awaits, amidst wider EU scrutiny on Chinese e-commerce giants under the Digital Services Act, reflecting ongoing concerns about consumer safety and online sales regulation.

(With inputs from agencies.)