Shein has imposed a worldwide ban on all sex dolls following public outrage and regulatory pressure over listings that included products with a childlike appearance. The move came after French authorities launched an investigation into the matter, threatening to exclude the retailer from the French market.
The issue emerged when France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control raised concerns over the weekend about sex dolls on Shein’s platform that resembled children. The watchdog stated that the descriptions and categorizations left little doubt about the child pornography nature of the content, prompting immediate scrutiny from regulators. This initial report highlighted specific dolls measuring around 80 centimeters in height and holding teddy bears, which were deemed potentially exploitative.
In response, Shein swiftly removed the specific listings for childlike sex dolls as soon as it became aware of the problem and launched an internal investigation into how such products were allowed on its marketplace. The company acknowledged that these items were listed by third-party sellers but emphasized its commitment to addressing the oversight promptly. This initial step was taken to mitigate the immediate backlash and demonstrate responsiveness to the allegations.
On Monday, Shein escalated its actions by announcing a comprehensive ban on all sex doll-type products across its global platform. The company deleted all related listings and images, permanently banned seller accounts linked to non-compliant products, and temporarily removed its adult products category as a precautionary measure. Shein also stated it would strengthen its keyword blacklist to prevent sellers from circumventing restrictions and conduct a thorough review to tighten controls.
Shein has pledged full cooperation with French prosecutors, who have opened an investigation into the sale of the dolls. A spokesperson indicated that the company is prepared to share the names of buyers if requested by authorities, underscoring a commitment to transparency in the legal process. This cooperation aims to address potential legal ramifications and assist in determining accountability for the listings.
The controversy arises at a sensitive time, as Shein is set to open its first permanent physical store in Paris this week. The event has already sparked protests outside the BHV Marais department store, where the outlet is located. France’s finance minister threatened to ban Shein from the French market if the problematic products continued to be sold, highlighting the regulatory pressures facing the company’s expansion plans.
To prevent future incidents, Shein is implementing stricter controls, including enhancing its monitoring systems and establishing a dedicated team to ensure content integrity. Executive chairman Donald Tang stated that fighting child exploitation is non-negotiable for the company, and Shein will take decisive action against those responsible for the listings. These measures are part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and comply with international standards.
This incident adds to Shein’s existing challenges, including previous fines in France for regulatory violations and ongoing investigations by the European Commission over illegal products and environmental concerns. The outcome of the current probe could influence Shein’s operations in Europe and its global reputation, potentially leading to stricter industry regulations and increased scrutiny of online marketplaces.