France Threatens to Block Shein Over Sale of Childlike Sex Dolls Amid Paris Store Opening Protests

French authorities have escalated their response to the Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein due to the sale of sex dolls with childlike features on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) referred Shein to public prosecutors after identifying the product descriptions and categorizations as having child-pornographic connotations. In reaction, Shein swiftly removed these controversial dolls and publicly banned sex-doll type products from their listings.

French Economy Minister Roland Lescure expressed serious concern, stating that "boundaries have been crossed" and warning that France is prepared to prohibit Shein's access to its market if any similar incidents occur again. French law mandates removal of illegal content within 24 hours, or internet providers may be compelled to block access to offending sites. Lescure's statement arrives simultaneously with Shein's preparations to open its first permanent physical store in Paris, an event fueling public protests and an online petition garnering over 100,000 signatures against the retailer.

The DGCCRF also criticized Shein for offering other pornographic products, including adult-like sex dolls, without adequate age-filtering safeguards to prevent minors' exposure. Beyond this, activists staged a symbolic crime scene outside the BHV store in central Paris to denounce Shein and called for ending its partnership with BHV in order to protect children.

This controversy spotlights broader concerns about the normalization of products flirtating with pedopornographic content on various Chinese e-commerce platforms, exposing gaps in French legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. Shein has previously faced fines totaling €191 million for multiple infractions, underscoring ongoing regulatory challenges. A Shein spokesperson acknowledged the gravity of the matter, affirming that such content conflicts with the company’s values.

As the Paris store opening approaches amid mounting criticism and legal scrutiny, the situation represents a critical juncture for Shein’s operations in France and the regulation of online platforms distributing objectionable material.