Shein's ban in June 2020 was part of a broader move
Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has returned to India, nearly five years after the app was banned in the country.
It was banned along with 58 other Chinese apps due to data security concerns.
Shein’s re-entry into the Indian market comes through a partnership with Reliance Retail.
Reliance Retail has developed a new e-commerce platform to sell Shein-branded fashionwear.
The company announced that deliveries are currently available in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, with other locations expected soon.
Shein’s ban in June 2020 was part of a broader move by the Indian government.
The government blocked Chinese apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
At the time, authorities cited concerns over sovereignty and national security following escalating tensions between India and China.
Despite the ban, Shein-branded products were still available in India through third-party sellers.
In 2023, Shein signed a partnership with Reliance Retail, allowing the brand to re-enter the Indian market.
The government approved the agreement after ensuring that Shein would have no control over data storage or platform operations.
As per the deal, all Shein-branded products sold in India are now manufactured locally.
This aims to boost the Indian textile industry and generate employment.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the Ministry of Textiles, in consultation with other government departments, had no objections to the deal.
Under the agreement, Reliance Retail will pay a licensing fee to use the Shein brand name.
However, no equity investment has been made in the partnership.
The platform will remain under Reliance Retail’s complete control, with all data stored within India.
The relaunch of Shein has been met with mixed reactions.
While many fans are excited about its return, others have noted that it seems different.
According to some, the products no longer have the distinct “imported” appeal that once made the brand a favourite.
With all items now manufactured in India, they resemble offerings from domestic retailers such as Myntra, Ajio, and Urbanic.
During the past 5 years, all of these gained popularity in Shein’s absence.
A user questioned: “What’s the use then? You’re just selling what has already been available.”
Another said: “Yeah I would rather use third-party sellers.”
As competition in the fast-fashion segment intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Shein can reclaim its dominant position in the Indian market.
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