SUMMARY:

• On 26 November, the European Parliament adopted a resolution addressing the proliferation of unsafe, illegal and illicit products sold on certain non-EU e-commerce platforms, following recent investigations in France involving SHEIN, Temu, AliExpress and Wish.
• On the same day, the European Commission issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to SHEIN under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
• Both actions reflect a rapidly growing political and regulatory focus on the risks linked to low-cost textile products sold via large online platforms.
• These developments have direct relevance for IPR protection, product safety, fair competition, and platform accountability in the EU single market.

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‍MORE INFORMATION:

1. European Parliament adopts historic resolution against ultra-fast fashion

The European Parliament adopted a resolution (attached) condemning the availability of child-like sex dolls, weapons and other illicit or dangerous goods on major non-EU online marketplaces, with SHEIN highlighted among the platforms under investigation by French authorities. The text stresses that these practices represent severe breaches of EU law and endanger consumer safety and the protection of minors. Key elements include:

• Strong condemnation of systemic failures exposing EU consumers to illegal, unsafe and non-compliant products.
• Recognition that recent evidence shows a significant share of products sold on non-EU platforms fail to meet EU standards, with some being dangerous.
• Acknowledgement that business models driven by ultra-fast consumption have been linked to misleading practices and the unlawful imitation of designers’ work.
• Calls for stronger, faster EU-level enforcement, including full use of DSA tools (fines, removal orders) and more coordinated market surveillance.
• Emphasis on the need for better traceability, strengthened responsibilities for platforms, and robust compliance checks across Member States.
• Support for reinforced customs controls, digitalisation of checks, and improved cooperation between authorities to address the influx of small, unregulated consignments.

This resolution provides strong political backing for tougher EU action on e-commerce compliance, complementing ongoing Commission enforcement procedures

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2. Commission issues Request for Information (RFI) to SHEIN under the Digital Services Act (DSA)

The Commission initiated a formal RFI procedure under Article 74(1) DSA, requesting detailed information on:

• Detection and removal of illegal or unsafe products on the platform.
• Processes targeting counterfeit goods and IPR-infringing items.
• Seller-verification and traceability systems.
• Risk assessments and mitigation measures for products offered to EU consumers.
• Overall compliance with DSA due-diligence obligations, as a designated VLOP.

The Commission will use the information to assess SHEIN’s compliance with the DSA’s horizontal obligations.

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NEXT STEPS:

• The Commission will evaluate SHEIN’s responses and may take further enforcement action if needed.
• The Parliament’s resolution is expected to feed into broader EU policy discussions on sustainable textiles, IPR enforcement, and platform responsibility.
• FESI will continue monitoring both developments and update members accordingly.