Shein Reignites Its Marketplace Operations in France

Shein restarts its marketplace activities in France. The Asian giant has quietly activated the sale in the country of third-party products, an activity it had voluntarily suspended after the sale of illegal products such as child pornographic dolls, weapons or medicines was detected.

The decision comes after the Paris Court of Justice rejected in December the French government’s claim to provisionally block the website. Shein sources quoted by Libération point out that the restart of activities was carried out discreetly “a few days ago”, with a selection of jewelry products, accessories, makeup, decoration, DIY, furniture and games and toys.

The Singapore-based group had suspended operations of its Marketplace last November 5, amid strong controversy and political opposition in France. “Following a thorough review of our control and compliance systems, we have initiated a gradual and rigorously monitored reintroduction of a selection of Marketplace products in France from the most experienced and established sellers,“ Shein told AFP.

The sensitive toy section of Shein’s marketplace has been opened only with brands such as Lesbos, Hasbro and Mattel

Shein has signaled its intention to reopen with a “gradual and responsible approach” to ensure all its requirements in terms of quality, regulatory compliance and consumer safety. The group, which has not specified a date for the full reopening of its website, has reactivated the sale of its toys and games section (particularly sensitive) only with brands such as Lego, Hasbro or Mattel.

The suspension of Shein’s Marketplace activities followed the detection on the platform of the sale of child-like sex dolls and weapons classified in category A, the highest level of dangerousness, which occurred in parallel to the opening of Shein’s first physical store in France.

The measure taken by the company did not prevent twelve trade and industry federations in France, along with more than a hundred brands, from deciding in November to take the Chinese group to court. The collective filed an action for “unfair competition” against the ultra-fast fashion platform at the Commercial Court of Aix-en-Provence, where a first hearing was set for January 12th.

In a joint statement, the organizations denounced that Shein’s model “rests on the non-respect of the regulations applicable to all players established in France” and that this situation “endangers consumer safety, weakens our businesses, destroys jobs and threatens the vitality of the territories.“ “French trade is open to competition, but fair competition, respectful of the rules and of people”, the signatory entities underline.

France has led the political opposition to the Shein and Temu model in 2025, with a bill aimed at limiting the activity of these companies in the country. After its approval by the National Assembly, in June the French Senate almost unanimously ratified the document that seeks to limit the placing on the market of new garments, with penalties of between seven euros per product and ten euros per product over the next few years.