France reports Shein for selling ‘childlike sex dolls’ online
- ByStartupStory | November 4, 2025
France Reports Shein for Selling ‘Childlike Sex Dolls’ Online Amid Market Expansion Controversy
French consumer protection authorities have reported the global fast-fashion giant Shein to prosecutors over allegations that the company’s platform sold sex dolls resembling children. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) raised serious concerns after discovering listings featuring dolls described with sexually explicit attributes and a childlike appearance, sparking outrage and legal scrutiny across France.
According to DGCCRF, the product descriptions and classifications left “little doubt about the pedopornographic nature of the content,” prompting an official report to both prosecutors and Arcom, France’s regulatory authority overseeing online communications and broadcasting.
Shein responded swiftly, stating that the contentious listings were removed immediately upon discovery, and the company is conducting a thorough investigation to understand how the products bypassed their screening mechanisms. The e-commerce giant also announced enhanced oversight measures, including expanding keyword blacklists to prevent recurrence and suspending its entire adult products category temporarily.
This controversy has erupted just as Shein was preparing to open its first permanent physical store globally inside the historic BHV Marais department store in Paris, scheduled for launch days after the report surfaced. The decision to allow Shein’s physical presence in a this prestigious French retail landmark has ignited debate over the company’s labor practices, environmental impact, and now allegations around product compliance.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure sternly warned that if such conduct persists, France would have grounds to prohibit Shein’s access to the French market entirely. The minister underscored the illegality of the items and emphasized the government’s resolve to protect minors and uphold legal standards.
The case adds to mounting criticism faced by Shein over transparency and regulatory adherence, echoing previous incidents involving the sale of controversial products on global e-commerce platforms. It also spotlights the challenges governments face in policing fast-growing online marketplaces that rely heavily on third-party sellers.
Shein’s Executive Chairman Donald Tang expressed a personal commitment to tracing the source of the listings and collaborating with authorities, underscoring zero tolerance for child exploitation. The company vows to implement stricter safeguards and maintain transparency with regulators to restore trust.
In summary, the allegations against Shein have precipitated legal investigations and political backlash in France, raising urgent questions about online marketplace governance, product safety, and the ethical responsibilities of global retail platforms amidst rapid digital expansion.
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