France Moves to Suspend Shein After Sex Dolls and Weapons Found Online
France has launched proceedings to suspend online fast-fashion giant Shein, after the country’s consumer watchdog discovered listings for childlike sex dolls and weapons on the platform. The move coincided with the opening of Shein’s first physical store in Paris, sparking public outrage and political backlash.
According to the finance ministry, the decision follows direct instructions from the Prime Minister. The government said Shein will remain suspended “as long as necessary” until it can prove full compliance with French laws and regulations.
Shein Responds, Suspends Marketplace in France
In response, Shein said it had sanctioned the third-party sellers involved and implemented a global ban on sex dolls across its platform. The company also temporarily suspended its marketplace operations in France to “review and strengthen” compliance procedures for vendors.
Earlier on Wednesday, lawmaker Antoine Vermorel-Marques flagged additional listings for banned weapons, including brass knuckles and an axe, further intensifying calls for enforcement action.
“Enough is enough with the childlike dolls and now weapons,” said Commerce and Small Business Minister Serge Papin, announcing the platform’s suspension during a parliamentary session.
France Warns of Full Platform Ban if Violations Continue
The finance ministry confirmed that if banned products continue to appear, Shein’s entire website in France—not just its marketplace—could be taken offline.
Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff has also requested that the European Commission open an investigation into Shein’s business practices. The Commission said it had contacted Shein regarding the matter but has not yet launched a formal probe.
France previously suspended U.S. e-commerce platform Wish in 2021 for similar consumer protection violations, reinstating it only after a year and a half. Authorities said they will conduct an initial review of Shein’s case within 48 hours.
A parliamentary hearing has been scheduled for November 18, where Shein representatives are expected to testify.
Protests Erupt as Shein Opens Paris Store
The controversy erupted as Shein opened its first store inside the BHV department store in Paris, operated by Société des Grands Magasins (SGM). The launch drew protests from politicians, retailers, and activists, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who criticized Shein’s fast-fashion business model for harming local retailers.
Crowds gathered outside BHV, shouting “Shame on you!” at shoppers entering the store. Artist Leslie Green told Reuters she was “disgusted” by reports of the sex dolls, while activist Arnaud Gallais of Mouv’Enfants, a child protection group, warned that such products “encourage predatory behavior.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into Shein and AliExpress over the alleged dissemination of sexualized depictions of minors, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of €75,000.
Retailer SGM Backs Suspension Decision
SGM, which manages BHV and several regional department stores, said Shein was invited to open a concession to attract younger shoppers. However, following the scandal, SGM Chairman Frédéric Merlin welcomed Shein’s decision to suspend its marketplace operations.
“I salute this decision,” Merlin said. “We must finally stop the sale of illicit products on these platforms.”
He added that while he remains confident in the quality of products sold directly in Shein’s Paris store, “the same cannot be said for some third-party sellers on its global marketplace.”
