French regulators issued major penalties against Shein in 2025. The company was fined for deceptive commercial practices and for data privacy violations. Advertising authorities also ruled some environmental claims misleading, a case of greenwashing, though there was no separate environmental fine. Labor practices remain under scrutiny, but France did not impose a distinct labor penalty. Below is a fast, clear guide to what happened, the key dates, and what shoppers should know.
Shein fines in France: amounts, dates, and what triggered them
French authorities fined Shein €40 million on July 3, 2025, for deceptive commercial practices tied to promotions and claims. On September 1, 2025, the data watchdog issued a €150 million penalty for cookie consent failures and related privacy issues. Advertising ethics bodies ruled that some environmental messages were misleading, but that decision did not include a specific environmental fine amount.
Deceptive discounts and green claims called out
Investigators said Shein promoted inflated pre-sale prices, then advertised steep reductions. Promotions created urgency that did not reflect real savings. Advertising watchdogs also flagged several eco claims as greenwashing, since the stated environmental benefits did not align with measured impact. Coverage of the deception case appears in Le Monde’s report, which outlines the practices regulators rejected.
Privacy penalty: cookies without clear consent
France’s data protection authority, CNIL, said Shein placed tracking cookies without valid consent and failed to honor user choices. The ruling cited hard-to-find settings and misleading consent flows. The €150 million fine stands as one of France’s largest for consent violations. The CNIL announcement details the breaches and the corrective orders that follow.
What about labor laws: was Shein fined in France for working conditions?
Labor concerns around fast fashion remain intense, with public debate over long hours and supplier risks. Reports of possible forced labor links in global supply chains have drawn attention from NGOs and media. In France, regulators concentrated on commercial conduct and data protection. No separate labor fine was reported alongside these 2025 cases.
Criticism and scrutiny, but no French labor fine
NGOs and advocacy groups continue to highlight worker welfare, overtime pressures, and safety conditions in supplier networks. French outlets have tracked these concerns as the fines landed. Authorities, however, did not issue a formal French penalty for labor practices in 2025. The spotlight persists without a confirmed, France-specific sanction.
What regulators could do next
Consumer, advertising, and privacy authorities can continue audits, request evidence, and take action if new facts emerge. Future cases could expand if national or cross-border findings warrant it. Watch for updates from DGCCRF, ARPP, and CNIL for the latest enforcement activity.
What this means for shoppers and brands in fast fashion
The rulings send a clear message to fast fashion. Discounts must reflect real pricing, environmental claims must be substantiated, and privacy choices must be easy and respected. Shoppers gain leverage to challenge opaque offers. Brands face stricter review of marketing, consent flows, and claims tied to sustainability.
Shop smarter: check discounts, eco claims, and privacy choices
Compare sale prices with recent listings before buying. Favor brands that give specific, verifiable sustainability details, preferably backed by recognized third-party standards. Review cookie settings on site entry and opt out of tracking you do not want. Small steps add clarity to purchases and protect your data.
Signals to watch: more checks and possible appeals
Monitor company statements, any appeal timelines, and follow-on actions by French authorities. Similar investigations could touch peers with comparable practices. Keep an eye on official announcements for changes to enforcement or guidance.
In short, France fined Shein €40 million for deceptive commercial practices on July 3, 2025, and €150 million for privacy violations on September 1, 2025. Regulators also ruled greenwashing without a separate environmental fine. Labor concerns are real, yet there was no French labor fine. For shoppers, the takeaway is careful buying, verified claims, and active consent choices that safeguard your data.
