Asian e-commerce giant Shein has banned sex dolls on its platforms across the world. The decision came after France criticized the company for selling dolls resembling children. France’s finance minister had threatened to ban Shein from the country if it resumed such sales, just days before the retailer opens its first physical store in Paris.
French Authorities Launch Probe
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed investigations against Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish. The charges include distributing “messages that are violent, pornographic or improper, (and) accessible to minors.” France’s anti-fraud unit discovered the dolls, describing them as “childlike” and pornographic.
Dolls Withdrawn After Backlash
French newspaper Le Parisien published a photo of one doll that appeared childlike and carried a teddy bear. Soon after the report, Shein removed the dolls from its website and launched an internal inquiry. On Monday, the company said it had imposed a “total ban on sex-doll-type products” and deleted all related listings and images.
CEO Takes Responsibility
“These publications came from third-party vendors, but I take personal responsibility,” said Shein’s chief executive Donald Tang. A spokesperson confirmed the global ban.
French Minister Threatens Action
France’s finance minister Roland Lescure warned that Shein would face a ban from the French market if such items reappeared. “These horrible items are illegal,” he told BFMTV, promising legal action.
Other Platforms Also Under Fire
France’s high commissioner for childhood, Sarah El Hairy, said several online platforms were being investigated. Chinese shopping site AliExpress confirmed it had removed similar items. However, the anti-fraud office said it would take legal action against AliExpress for selling “child-porn-style dolls.”
Controversy Before Paris Store Launch
Shein is set to open its first physical store inside the BHV Marais department store in Paris. The move has triggered public outrage. Frederic Merlin, director of the BHV parent company, called the sale of such dolls “unacceptable” but defended hosting Shein. “Only clothes and items conceived directly by Shein for BHV will be sold in store,” he said.
Shein Faces Broader Criticism
Shein, based in Singapore and originally founded in China, has faced global criticism over poor working conditions and environmental harm caused by its fast-fashion model. France has fined the company three times in 2025, totaling €191 million ($220 million), for false advertising, misleading information, and failing to declare microplastics in its products.
EU Tightens Oversight
The European Commission is also investigating Shein for risks linked to illegal products. EU lawmakers recently approved stricter laws to curb the environmental damage caused by fast fashion.