France is calling on the European Union to intensify enforcement against online platforms, including Shein and Temu, for selling “unsafe” Chinese-made products, according to the Financial Times.<\/p>\n
Sarah Lacoche, head of France\u2019s competition and consumer protection authority, said the number of hazardous goods identified on Asian e-commerce platforms was significantly higher than on other online marketplaces.<\/p>\n
Products flagged by authorities included hairdryers prone to overheating, electronic devices containing potentially explosive batteries, and teddy bears with unsafe parts.<\/p>\n
French regulators have sharply increased inspections of foreign online marketplaces during the past year after childlike sex toys and weapons were discovered on Shein and other e-commerce sites.<\/p>\n
Authorities have tripled product testing activity as part of the crackdown.<\/p>\n
Since April 2025, French authorities have removed more than 100,000 products from online marketplaces after inspections found that 46% of the items analysed were either non-compliant with regulations or deemed dangerous.<\/p>\n
Despite the increased enforcement measures, Lacoche said the scale of incoming shipments meant authorities could not prevent every non-compliant package from entering through customs.<\/p>\n
During discussions with industry representatives and EU member states on consumer protection rules, Lacoche urged regulators to adopt a tougher stance on what she described as \u201cbig infringements\u201d of digital and consumer legislation.<\/p>\n
She added that inadequate enforcement risked creating unfair competition for platforms adhering to the rules.<\/p>\n
Under EU rules introduced in 2022, authorities can impose penalties of up to 4% of a trader\u2019s annual turnover within the relevant member state for widespread breaches.<\/p>\n
The European Commission has already launched a formal investigation<\/a> into Shein over alleged violations, including the sale of childlike sex dolls and platform features considered addictive.<\/p>\n