Shein Bans Sex Dolls

Online retailer Shein imposed a worldwide ban on sex doll sales after French authorities discovered dolls resembling children for sale on its platform.

Context

Shein operates as a fast-fashion retailer, selling cheap clothing under its own brand while also running a marketplace where third-party sellers can list products. The Singapore-based company, founded in China, launched its broader marketplace for outside sellers in 2023. The retailer had been planning to open its first permanent physical store in Paris this week.

Shein has faced ongoing scrutiny over environmental concerns related to fast fashion, copyright allegations, and working conditions in its supply chain. The company confirmed in 2024 that it found examples of child labor among its suppliers.

French Investigation

France's consumer watchdog reported Shein and three other e-commerce platforms to authorities over the weekend after discovering sex dolls with childlike appearances being sold by multiple third-party sellers.

The watchdog stated that the description and categorization of the dolls left "little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content." Paris prosecutors also opened an investigation into Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish for allegedly allowing minors to access pornographic content through their marketplaces.

Ban Threat

France’s finance minister warned that he would request Shein be banned from the French market if the company repeated such behavior. "These horrible items are illegal," he said, adding that there would be a judicial investigation.

The threat came just days before Shein planned to open its first permanent outlet at a department store in central Paris, with protesters gathering outside the location ahead of the opening to oppose Shein's expansion into France.

Shein’s Response

Shein removed all listings and images related to the sex dolls and temporarily suspended its entire "adult products" category as a precaution. The company permanently banned all seller accounts connected to the illegal products and strengthened its blacklist to prevent sellers from circumventing restrictions.

Shein’s executive chairman stated, "The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein. These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers – but I take this personally."