Paris: Global fast-fashion giant Shein has announced a worldwide ban on the sale of sex dolls after French authorities launched an investigation into the company for listing products that allegedly resembled children. The move comes just days before the retailer is set to open its first-ever physical store in Paris.
The Paris prosecutors’ office confirmed that investigations had been opened not only against Shein, but also rival e-commerce platforms AliExpress, Temu, and Wish. Authorities said the probes relate to the distribution of “messages that are violent, pornographic or improper, and accessible to minors.”
French Crackdown on ‘Childlike’ Dolls
The controversy erupted after France’s anti-fraud unit (DGCCRF) discovered that Shein had been selling “childlike” dolls of a pornographic nature. French daily Le Parisien published a photo showing one such doll — approximately 80 centimetres tall and holding a teddy bear — accompanied by an explicit caption.
The discovery triggered public outrage and immediate political action. France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure condemned the listings and warned that Shein could be banned from the French market if the dolls reappeared on its website.
“These horrible items are illegal,” Lescure told BFMTV, adding that a judicial investigation was already underway.
Shein’s Response: ‘Total Ban’ on Sex Dolls
In response to mounting pressure, Shein issued a statement announcing it had removed the products and launched an internal inquiry. On Monday, the company confirmed that it had imposed a total ban on all sex-doll-type products and deleted every related listing and image from its global platforms.
“These publications came from third-party vendors, but I take personal responsibility,” said Donald Tang, Shein’s Chief Executive Officer, in a statement to AFP.
A company spokesperson added that the ban applies globally, and a dedicated team has been established to monitor product listings and ensure content integrity.
Other Retailers Under Scrutiny
France’s High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El Hairy, said several other online platforms were under investigation after reports that AliExpress and others had sold similar dolls.
AliExpress said it had immediately removed the offending items upon being notified. However, France’s anti-fraud office later confirmed that it was taking legal action against AliExpress for selling “child-porn-style dolls.”
Controversy Clouds Shein’s Paris Store Launch
The timing of the scandal couldn’t be worse for Shein. On Wednesday, the retailer is set to open its first-ever physical store inside the prestigious BHV Marais department store in central Paris — a move that has sparked public and political backlash.
Frédéric Merlin, director of the company that owns BHV, called Shein’s previous sale of the dolls “unacceptable” but defended his decision to host the retailer. “Only clothes and items conceived directly by Shein for BHV will be sold in store,” he clarified.
The decision has already prompted several brands to pull their products from BHV Marais in protest.
Shein’s Troubled Track Record
Shein, which was founded in China and is now headquartered in Singapore, has faced multiple controversies in recent years — from labour rights violations and environmental concerns to regulatory fines.
In 2025 alone, France has fined Shein €191 million (USD 220 million) for breaches of online advertising, cookie regulations, and product labelling laws — including failure to disclose the presence of plastic microfibres in its clothing.
The European Commission is also investigating the company for illegal product risks, while EU lawmakers have passed legislation targeting fast fashion’s environmental footprint.
Global Implications
The latest scandal marks a significant escalation in Shein’s regulatory troubles, highlighting growing international scrutiny over online marketplaces that allow third-party vendors to sell explicit or illegal items.
France’s action against Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish underscores a broader European crackdown on digital commerce ethics, child protection, and transparency in global retail operations.