This news is causing shockwaves in global trade. Indeed, on Monday, May 26, 2025, the European Union called Shein into question for commercial practices that violate consumer rights.
Following this announcement, the Chinese ready-to-wear giant has one month to respond to the concerns raised by the European Commission. And if this is not done in a timely manner, sanctions will be imposed.
A list of violations for Shein
To justify this challenge, the European authorities highlighted several violations committed by this company. Thus, they accuse the platform of using false promotions, such as when it "claims to offer better deals by displaying price reductions that are not based on 'previous prices'."
But that's not all, because when users visit Shein, they encounter various schemes aimed at triggering a purchase. In other words, it's a hard-sell strategy, which is illegal. Worse still, false information about the right of withdrawal and refund has been reported. Not to mention that the Chinese giant is also accused of providing false details about the sustainability benefits of its products.
Not enough defense?
For its part, Shein has decided to defend itself against such measures and accusations. And it is href="https://www.lefigaro.fr/conso/shein-vise-par-bruxelles-l-union-europeenne-brandit-la-menace-d-amendes-pour-proteger-les-consommateurs-20250526" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in a statement sent to AFP that the company assures that it is working “constructively with national consumer protection authorities and the European Commission to demonstrate its commitment to complying with European Union laws and regulations. We remain engaged in this process to address all concerns. Our priority remains to guarantee European consumers a safe, reliable and pleasant online shopping experience."
Therefore, if Shein, which wants to go public, does not resolve these various points within a month, fines indexed to the company's turnover will be imposed.
And that's not all, because like Donald Trump and the trade war he unleashed with customs duties, the European Union threatened to apply, on May 20, a tax of two euros on each small parcel entering the country. And while that may not seem significant to you, given Shein's daily sales, the effects could prove dramatic in the short and medium term for this online retail giant.
0 Comments