The EU is investigating Shein for the sale of baby dolls and weapons – National
European Union regulators are investigating Shein over concerns that the online retailer has not done enough to limit the sale of illegal products or protect users from the platform’s allegedly addictive design.
The top official of the 27-nation bloc said on Tuesday it had opened an official investigation under the bloc’s comprehensive laws known as the Digital Services Act, which requires major internet platforms to take more steps to protect internet users from fraudulent products.
Shein may be required to change his actions, or pay a large fine if a so-called non-compliance decision is reached after a thorough investigation, the European Commission said.
Another area its investigation is focusing on is whether Shein has adequate safeguards in place to curb the sale of illegal products in the EU, the commission said, including potential child sexual abuse items such as “child-like sex dolls.”
The fast fashion giant faced a crackdown last year in France, where authorities found illegal weapons including guns, knives and machetes as well as child-like sex dolls being sold on its website. The French government sought to stop access to Shein’s land in France. The court stopped that action and asked the commission to investigate under the Digital Services Act of this agency.
Get the latest country news
For news that affects Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
The commission says it will also determine whether Shein has plans in place to mitigate the risks associated with what it says is the platform’s addictive design, including offering users points or rewards for “engaging.”
And regulators are also targeting the transparency of Shein’s recommendation programs that recommend more products to consumers. They are concerned that the company does not clearly explain to users why they are recommended certain products.
Shein said he takes his responsibilities seriously and will continue to cooperate with the commission.
The company said it has invested heavily in strengthening DSA compliance. The steps include “comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation frameworks, improved protection for young users, and ongoing work to design our services in ways that improve a safe and trusted user experience.”
“Protecting children and reducing the risk of harmful content and behavior is critical to how we develop and operate our platform,” the company said in a press release.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
