Shein has three weeks to answer to the EU Commission

The European Commission has requested that the online fashion platform Shein provide further details under its digital regulations. This request comes just one day after the launch of an investigation into consumer protection about the Asian textile giant.

Under the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European body is seeking information on the risks associated with the marketing of illegal content and products on the platform, the transparency of recommendation systems, access to data for qualified researchers, and the strategies implemented to reduce risks that may affect consumer protection, public health and the well-being of users.

According to Euro News, this request comes after the opening of an investigation into consumer protection and the publication of a “toolbox” that addresses the problems arising from online purchases on Chinese platforms that do not comply with European Union standards on quality, environmental sustainability, and fair business practices.

This toolkit seeks to act from when the consumer accesses the website until the purchase is complete. It details regulations that require implementation, reinforcement, or revision and incorporates new proposals, such as customs reform.

Shein has three weeks to respond to the European Commission's request for information under the Digital Services Act.

Shein current legal issues in the EU and USA

Shein, the Chinese-founded fast-fashion retailer, has encountered several legal challenges in the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA). In the EU, the European Commission initiated an investigation in February 2025 to assess whether Shein violated consumer protection laws, focusing on selling unsafe products and potential infringements related to illegal content on its platform. 

Concurrently, in the USA, the Trump administration is considering adding Shein to the Department of Homeland Security's forced labor list, following concerns about the company's supply chain practices and allegations of forced labor. 

Additionally, Shein has faced numerous lawsuits in the USA alleging intellectual property infringement, with over 90 cases filed against the company for purportedly copying designs from other brands and independent artists.