Brussels: The European Union’s executive branch on Wednesday sought additional information from e-commerce major Shein following outrage in France over the alleged sale of childlike sex dolls on its online platform, expressing concern over potential risks to consumers across the bloc.

The European Commission said it had sent a formal request for information to the Chinese-founded company "following preliminary indications that illegal goods, particularly child-like sex dolls and weapons, are being offered on the marketplace."

Citing investigations in France and several public reports, the Commission said it "suspects that Shein's system may pose a systemic risk for consumers across the entire European Union."

Brussels has asked Shein to provide detailed explanations and internal documentation on how it prevents minors from being exposed to age-inappropriate content, particularly its age verification and assurance mechanisms. The Commission also wants clarification on what measures Shein has in place to block the sale of illegal products and the effectiveness of these safeguards.

The inquiry was launched under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates online platforms and marketplace responsibilities. A request for information under the DSA can lead to investigations and possible fines, though it does not automatically indicate a breach of law or initiate sanctions. As a last resort, the DSA allows the EU to temporarily suspend platforms that fail to comply.

Earlier this month, France saw widespread outrage over the sale of sex dolls resembling children. The French government has moved to suspend Shein’s operations, and a Paris court is set to hear the case next week following a brief postponement. The Paris prosecutor’s office has also opened investigations into both Shein and rival retailer AliExpress over the same issue.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has said it will cooperate fully with French authorities and has announced a ban on all sex dolls being sold through its platform.

With inputs from AFP