Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu should be banned from selling in Europe until the region passes laws to regulate them, according to Philippe Palazzi, chief executive of French supermarket group Casino. “Block them for two years while Europe legislates,” he said. “We need to protect our retailers.”
In an interview with BFM Business TV on Tuesday, the executive said that the products sold by the two online retail giants do not comply with European standards and could pose a danger to consumers. He also noted that the avalanche of products, particularly textiles and furniture, could cause the closure of small businesses in the region that comply with local regulations. “I think it would be very good to legislate before allowing Shein and Temu to penetrate the market,” he said. “I see real danger.”
Founded in China and currently based in Singapore, Shein opened its first permanent physical store in Paris this month. The e-commerce giant has been embroiled in a political storm in France following allegations that it sold sex dolls and similar weapons to children on its platform.
France has taken the issue to the European Commission. Europe has agreed to legislate rules for imports into the region from China by 2028. While the issue is resolved, Shein and Temu should be temporarily banned, Palazzi said.
