French authorities have issued a stern warning to the online fast fashion giant Shein, threatening to block its access to the French market following the discovery of childlike sex dolls on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), France’s consumer watchdog, revealed last week that Shein had been selling these dolls, which were described and categorized in a manner that strongly suggested their child-pornographic nature. The agency has escalated the matter to public prosecutors, and Economy Minister Roland Lescure has stated that he will seek to ban Shein from operating in France if such incidents recur. ‘This is provided for by law,’ Lescure emphasized during an interview with BFM TV, citing the government’s authority to prohibit market access in cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, or child pornography. Under French law, the distribution of child-pornographic materials via electronic networks carries severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and a €100,000 ($115,000) fine. The DGCCRF has issued a formal notice to Shein, demanding immediate corrective actions. Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The company, known for its rapid global expansion and low-cost fashion, has faced criticism for its labor practices and environmental impact. The controversy comes just days before Shein is set to open its first permanent physical store in Paris, a move that has already sparked significant backlash, with an online petition against the store garnering over 100,000 signatures.
France threatens to block Shein over sale of childlike sex dolls ahead of Paris store opening
