Shein imposes global ban on sex dolls after French authorities condemn sales of childlike dolls, sparking investigations and threats of market ban
PARIS: Asian e-commerce giant Shein has announced a global ban on sex dolls following French authorities condemning sales of childlike versions.
France’s finance minister threatened to ban the retailer from the country if it resumed selling the controversial dolls.
The Paris prosecutors’ office has opened investigations against Shein and rival online retailers AliExpress, Temu and Wish over sex doll sales.
Investigations focus on distributing violent, pornographic or improper messages accessible to minors.
France’s anti-fraud unit reported on Saturday that Shein was selling childlike dolls of likely pornographic nature.
French daily Le Parisien published a photo of one doll measuring around 80 centimetres in height holding a teddy bear.
Shein immediately withdrew the dolls from its platform and launched an internal inquiry after the fraud watchdog’s statement.
The company later announced a total ban on sex-doll-type products and deleted all related listings and images.
A spokesperson confirmed the ban applies globally across all Shein platforms.
Shein’s chief executive Donald Tang stated these publications came from third-party vendors but took personal responsibility.
France’s finance minister Roland Lescure warned he would ban Shein from the French market if the items returned online.
Lescure described these horrible items as illegal and promised a judicial investigation.
Shein is establishing a dedicated team to ensure content integrity on its sales platform.
France’s high commissioner for childhood Sarah El Hairy confirmed several websites are under investigation.
AliExpress stated it had immediately removed the controversial items from its website.
The anti-fraud office is taking legal action against AliExpress for selling child-porn-style dolls.
Shein plans to open its first physical store worldwide in Paris’s prestigious BHV Marais department store on Wednesday.
BHV director Frederic Merlin called selling childlike dolls unacceptable but defended hosting Shein in his store.
Only clothes and items conceived directly by Shein for BHV will be sold in the physical store.
Shein faces ongoing criticism over factory working conditions and environmental impact of its fast fashion model.
Several brands have pulled their products from BHV Marais since the Shein partnership announcement.
France has already fined Shein three times in 2025 totaling 191 million euros for various violations.
The European Commission is investigating Shein over risks linked to illegal products.
EU lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at curbing fast fashion’s environmental impact. – AFP
