Shein Avoids Banning in France, Government Monitoring Continues
China-France - On November 7, the French government stated that the Asian e-commerce platform Shein has stopped online sales of "any illegal goods," but is still "closely monitored by state departments," and called this move a "fundamental victory." This means that Shein will not be banned for now.
However, its review has not been canceled. The government said in a statement, "Legal procedures against Shein are still ongoing," and added that new lawsuits will be filed against other platforms found to "sell illegal goods" in the coming days.
Quentin Ruffat, a spokesperson for Shein in France, said on the 7th that they have learned of the decision made by the French government. He added, "Shein will continue to maintain dialogue with the French government to resolve the issues they raised and inform the French government about the measures taken for continuous improvement."
Since the day Shein opened in Paris, it has been caught in an unprecedented public storm. The storm has attracted attention from the highest level of France, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Mayor of Paris. Shein, which is about to open in Grenoble in southeastern France, now faces direct opposition from the mayor representing the Green Party.
On November 7, French Minister of Trade Serge Papin gave an interview to BHMTV, a 24-hour French television station. During the interview, Papin said that after taking certain measures, the current Shein is completely different from the Shein on Wednesday. The French trade minister also said, "I have no intention of meeting him at the moment." The minister stated, "We must remain firm in our stance and hold on because of the massive dumping of goods into France. We must protect ourselves."
Donald Tang, CEO of Shein, sent a letter to the French Minister of Commerce on November 5, guaranteeing that the company "firmly complies with all French laws" and requested a meeting to introduce the measures that would be immediately implemented. His request was clearly rejected.
The French government sent a letter to the European Commission on November 6, urging action against the e-commerce platform Shein, as its website is suspected of selling child pornography dolls and products that do not meet EU safety standards.
Shein will open branches in Dijon, Reims, and Grenoble
At the same time, Shein will open physical stores in Dijon, Reims on November 18, and Grenoble on November 21. However, there is no information indicating that Shein will prepare to open physical stores in Angers and Limoges.
Perhaps the time for opening stores in Angers and Limoges will be postponed until early December.
On November 6, the French customs inspected all small packages from the Chinese e-commerce platform SHEIN (Shein) arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. It is reported that the inspection found unapproved cosmetics and toys with safety hazards.
The inspection targeted all SHEIN small packages that arrived within the past 24 hours, totaling approximately 200,000. Monchalin, Minister of Public Action and Public Accounts, stated at a press conference held at Charles de Gaulle Airport: "Inspections will not stop as long as the relevant regulations are not followed," and said that inspections will continue after November 7.
The French government suspended Shein's online operations. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to questions during a regular press briefing, suggesting that journalists ask the relevant Chinese authorities about specific issues, but stated that, as a principle, the Chinese government has always required enterprises to operate in accordance with laws and regulations and fulfill social responsibilities. The Chinese side hopes that relevant parties will abide by the principles of a market economy and provide a fair, just, and transparent business environment for enterprises in all countries.
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848173514514503/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.