Almost 25% of non-textile items shipped from Shein fail safety, labelling standards: French authorities

FRENCH authorities have found that nearly 25 per cent of non-textile items shipped from Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein failed to meet safety and labelling standards.

This marks the latest escalation in Europe’s regulatory scrutiny of the Chinese e-commerce giant.

A customs inspection of 320,474 Shein packages beginning on Nov 6 uncovered infractions ranging from counterfeit goods to unlabelled cosmetics and toys that did not meet safety requirements, according to a report by French daily Le Parisien.

Textile products – the company’s core business – had a much lower rate of violations, though authorities declined to disclose specific figures.

In response, Shein’s overseas division said that only around 100 packages were subject to further review, and that it had not received official results or details of the methodology used.

“Without this information, it is not possible to comment on the accuracy of the data or its interpretation,” the company said, adding that it is stepping up internal controls.

The customs probe is part of a broader campaign targeting Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Temu, operated by PDD, and AliExpress, a unit of Alibaba.

These companies have come under growing scrutiny in Europe over concerns about product safety, opaque business practices, and unfair competition – even as they continue to gain market share.

Regulatory pressure on Shein has intensified since early November, when allegations surfaced that the platform was selling illegal goods, including depictions of child exploitation and banned weapons. On Nov 6, Shein suspended its third-party marketplace in France, though its direct-to-consumer business remains operational.

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On Dec 19, a Paris court rejected a government lawsuit that sought to suspend Shein’s operations for three months. The government has pledged to appeal, citing “systemic risks” in the company’s business model.

The investigation has broadened. On Nov 3, Paris prosecutors opened inquiries into Shein, Temu, AliExpress and the US-based e-commerce firm Wish.

A probe into eBay followed later that month.

Despite mounting scrutiny, these platforms are expanding their presence. In the first half of 2025, Shein ranked as France’s fifth-largest fashion retailer, while Temu was 15th, according to data from the French Fashion Institute.

The crackdown stretches across the continent. In July, France fined Shein 40 million euros (S$60.3 million) for using misleading discounts and making unsupported environmental claims.

That same month, the European Commission said Temu had failed to meet risk assessment requirements under the Digital Services Act, which governs online platforms in the EU.

Earlier this month, the EU Commission raided Temu’s Dublin offices to investigate whether the company receives Chinese state subsidies that could distort competition.

PDD co-chief executive officer Chen Lei addressed the growing scrutiny during a Dec 19 shareholder meeting, calling it “understandable” in the light of Temu’s rapid global expansion.

He added that ongoing regulatory reviews “will build a good foundation for entering the next stage of growth”. CAIXIN GLOBAL