PARIS — French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire asked the French fraud and consumer protection authority to open an investigation into “fast fashion” companies, specifically singling out Chinese giant Shein.
Le Maire said he wants the investigation to focus on the platforms’ environmental impact, consumer protection and “social issues” linked to fast fashion, in an Instagram video posted Wednesday evening.
“We don’t know the social conditions under which these clothes are made,” the minister said. He added there isn’t enough information about product safety on goods sold on Shein.
In recent weeks, the Chinese e-commerce platform has tried to soften its image with Western audiences with communication campaigns on social media. In one case, U.S. online influencers were invited to China to visit a production site. But the images posted online contrast with damning press reports on working conditions at the company and its subcontractors.
Le Maire has also invited French Social-democrat European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann — a staunch Shein critic — to work with him on the issue. The minister wants the country’s General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) to wrap up its investigation in the fall.
