The French government has initiated proceedings to suspend the online platform of Shein, the Chinese-founded fast-fashion giant, after prosecutors launched an investigation into the sale of childlike sex dolls on the company’s website. The move came shortly after Shein opened its first-ever physical store on the sixth floor of Paris’s BHV department store, where protests erupted as shoppers queued for entry.
The Ministry of Economy said the suspension order, issued under instructions from the prime minister, would remain in effect “as long as necessary for the platform to prove to authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations.” The ministry’s statement followed confirmation from the Paris prosecutor’s office that Shein, along with Temu, AliExpress and Wish, was being investigated for distributing violent, pornographic or “undignified” content accessible to minors.
French investigation widens to global e-commerce platforms
The probe, led by the Paris Office des Mineurs, part of the French police force dedicated to the protection of minors, centers on reports that Shein’s online marketplace contained listings for sex dolls described or presented in a manner suggestive of children. France’s consumer watchdog, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), said descriptions and categorization of the products left “little doubt as to the child pornography nature” of the items.
Shein announced on Monday that it had banned the sale of all sex dolls worldwide and permanently blocked all seller accounts associated with the illegal listings. The Singapore-based company also said it would strengthen content monitoring and implement stricter platform controls to prevent similar violations. A spokesperson, Quentin Ruffat, said Shein would “cooperate fully with French prosecutors” and provide detailed information on sellers, buyers, and products involved in the listings.
AliExpress told the BBC that the listings in question violated its internal policies and were removed immediately once detected. “Sellers found to violate or trying to circumvent these requirements will be penalised in accordance with our rules,” the company said in a statement. Temu stated that it was not involved in the case and prohibited the sale of such items, though it confirmed ongoing cooperation with French authorities “to reinforce our minor protection mechanism.”
Protests erupt as Shein opens Paris store
The government’s announcement coincided with the opening of Shein’s first brick-and-mortar outlet inside BHV Marais, one of Paris’s most prominent department stores. The event drew large crowds of shoppers, but also dozens of protesters who gathered outside holding placards and chanting “Shame!” at customers entering the store. Inside, demonstrations continued, with one protester reportedly releasing a foul-smelling spray before being escorted out by security.
Critics accused BHV and its parent company, SGM, of compromising their reputation by partnering with Shein. Several French brands announced plans to withdraw their concessions from BHV in protest. Fashion designer Agnès B said she would close her concession in January, telling French radio, “I’m completely against this fast-fashion… there are jobs under threat, it’s very bad.”
SGM chief executive Frédéric Merlin admitted he had considered terminating the partnership but said Shein’s response to the scandal convinced him to continue. “The clothes we’re going to sell do not exploit workers or children,” he told French media, adding that he trusted Shein to comply with French law. Nevertheless, Galeries Lafayette, also operated by SGM, has refused to associate with Shein and will remove its branding from seven upcoming Shein stores in cities including Dijon, Grenoble and Reims.
Shein faces mounting scrutiny in Europe
Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has grown into one of the world’s largest e-commerce fashion retailers, particularly popular among young consumers for its low-cost, trend-driven designs. The company has faced repeated criticism over its environmental footprint, labor practices, and alleged copyright infringements. The new allegations have deepened scrutiny across Europe, where regulators are increasingly targeting online platforms for noncompliance with consumer and child protection laws.
The French prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation also covers the potential dissemination of child pornography and other “undignified” materials involving minors. The findings will determine whether Shein and the other platforms face prosecution or administrative sanctions under France’s strict digital safety and child protection statutes. Legal experts noted that if the suspension order remains in place, Shein could lose access to millions of customers in one of its largest European markets.
As of Tuesday, Shein’s online platform remained accessible in France, but the government confirmed that enforcement measures were being prepared. The suspension proceedings are expected to remain active until Shein demonstrates full compliance with French law. Meanwhile, protests at BHV continued into the week, reflecting growing public backlash against fast-fashion practices and online platforms accused of inadequate oversight of their sellers.
Photo Credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com
