Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein is facing a backlash in France for selling sexual dolls resembling children on its platform. The French Minister of Finance has issued a warning that if such behavior is found again, Shein will face being banned in France. The Paris prosecutor announced on Tuesday (November 4) that an investigation is ongoing into platforms such as Shein and Temu.
Last weekend, the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) released a statement stating that “they have discovered the e-commerce website Shein selling sexual dolls”.
The statement further added that the descriptions and categorizations of these items on the website unmistakably indicate their child pornography nature.
In its statement last Saturday (November 1), the DGCCRF also reminded the public that “the maximum penalty for disseminating child pornography products through electronic communication networks is seven years in prison and a fine of €100,000.”
French Minister of Economy and Finance, Roland Lescure, warned on Monday (November 3) in the French media that if Shein sells such dolls again, they will be prohibited from entering the French market.
“For acts of terrorism, drug trafficking, and child pornography, the government has the right to demand a ban from entering the French market. These abhorrent items are illegal,” he said.
Lescure also mentioned that he has submitted a legal report on the matter and requested the French digital regulatory authority Arcom to investigate the issue. Arcom is responsible for regulating “super large” platforms like Shein under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
This incident occurred as Shein planned to open its first physical store in Paris.
Shein stated that it has completely banned the sale of sexual dolls on its platform and has removed related products that were previously listed on the platform. Shein’s French spokesperson, Quentin Ruffat, stated in an interview with RMC radio on Tuesday that the company will “fully cooperate” with the French authorities’ investigation.
The Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday that it is investigating Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish among other online retail platforms, accusing them of distributing information including child pornography content on their platforms.
Shein is one of the world’s largest fast-fashion retailers, and its low-cost business model has long caused discontent among French politicians and retailers. Shein’s first physical store in Paris was scheduled to open at the BHV department store on Wednesday (November 5). However, before the physical store in Paris opened, the scandal involving sexual dolls erupted.
Shein also plans to open other stores at Galeries Lafayette in five other cities in France.
The fast-fashion company has been accused in France and other parts of Europe of selling products that do not comply with EU regulations. In July of this year, the DGCCRF imposed a €40 million fine on Shein for misleading consumers about pricing information.