Shein’s Parcel Problems: Non-Compliance Rate Drops Dramatically After Customs Crackdown

French customs authorities have revealed that a recent inspection of over 320,000 Shein parcels resulted in 25% of non-textile products being deemed non-compliant, according to a report by AFP. This figure revises an earlier government announcement following the November 6th operation at Roissy-CDG airport, which initially stated an 80% non-compliance rate based on the inspection of 200,000 parcels.

The non-compliance issues identified encompassed a range of problems, including counterfeit goods, inadequate or missing labeling, and a lack of required instructions for cosmetics and electrical devices. Customs officials also noted failures to meet safety standards for certain toys. However, the inspection found “few instances of non-compliance” within Shein’s core textile product line.

Authorities attribute the improved results for textile products to Shein’s proactive decision to temporarily close its marketplace to third-party sellers in France just prior to the customs operation, on November 5th. This closure likely reduced the volume of potentially problematic items entering the country through the platform.

The inspection followed closely on the heels of the French government initiating proceedings to suspend Shein, triggered by public outrage over the sale of dolls deemed to have paedophilic connotations. While the Paris Judicial Court initially rejected the government’s request for a temporary blocking order, citing the measure as “disproportionate” after Shein removed the offending products, the government has since filed an appeal.

In response to the concerns, Shein has launched an internal audit and plans to gradually reinstate third-party sellers on its marketplace, but only those who successfully pass the company’s new internal vetting process. This move signals an attempt to improve quality control and address regulatory concerns.

The surge in small parcel shipments, primarily originating from China (97% of the total), is a key factor driving these increased inspections. French Customs data shows a dramatic rise from 170 million parcels in 2022 to a projected 773 million in 2024. A previous targeted operation in 2022 revealed an even higher non-compliance rate of 96%, as highlighted in a December parliamentary report.

European nations are considering implementing a €3 levy on small parcels arriving from outside the EU, scheduled to take effect in July 2026. France is potentially seeking a higher levy of €5, contingent upon the outcome of ongoing discussions within the French Parliament regarding the finance bill. This proposed tax aims to address the challenges posed by the increasing volume of imported goods and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.