The French government has launched proceedings to suspend the online platform of Asian fast-fashion giant Shein, after prosecutors opened an investigation into the sale of childlike sex dolls on its website.
The economy ministry said the suspension would remain in effect “as long as necessary”, and until Shein could prove its platform complies fully with French laws and regulations.
The announcement came just over an hour after Shein opened its first-ever physical presence inside Paris’s prestigious BHV department store, where protestors outside could be seen shouting “Shame!” while holding placards which read: “Protect children, not Shein”.
It follows allegations made by the country’s anti-fraud office last weekend, prompting prosecutors to open an inquiry into Shein and three other online marketplaces, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish, over the alleged sale of childlike sex dolls.
In a statement, Shein said it was cooperating fully with the investigation and had temporarily suspended listings from independent third-party vendors while tightening marketplace rules.
The company’s head of public affairs in France, Quentin Ruffat, said the “suspensions enables us to strengthen accountability and ensure every product meets our standards and legal obligations.”
The controversy has sparked backlash against BHV, with several rival fashion brands announcing plans to withdraw their concessions in protest.
French designer Agnès B said she would close her space at BHV in January, calling fast fashion “very bad” for both jobs and the environment.
During the Shein store opening protests continued inside, and one demonstrator released a foul-smelling spray.
BHV’s owner, Frédéric Merlin, admitted he had considered ending the partnership with Shein but said the retailer’s response had “convinced me to continue.”
Merlin told French radio: “The clothes we’re going to sell do not exploit workers or children,”
Meanwhile, Galeries Lafayette, another department store group operated by Merlin’s company SGM, said it would withdraw its name from seven planned Shein outlets in cities including Angers, Dijon, and Grenoble, refusing any association with the brand following the controversy.
Prosecutors said Shein and the other platforms were being investigated for disseminating violent, pornographic, or “undignified” content accessible to minors.
Shein and AliExpress have faced additional scrutiny over content “of a pornographic nature involving children.”
AliExpress said it had removed the offending listings, which violated its policies, while Temu told the BBC it was not involved in the case but was working with French authorities “to reinforce our minor protection mechanism.”
On Monday, Shein announced it had banned all sex dolls from sale on its platform globally and would permanently block sellers linked to the illegal products.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
