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France has launched proceedings to suspend the website of online fashion giant Shein, just hours after the company celebrated the opening of its first physical store in Paris. The move follows a prosecutor's investigation into the alleged sale of sex dolls resembling children on the platform.
In a statement, the Economy Ministry said the decision was made under the direction of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and would remain in effect "for as long as necessary" until Shein proves that its online catalogue fully complies with French laws and regulations.
The announcement came as the company unveiled its flagship store on the sixth floor of Paris's Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV). While shoppers queued outside, protesters chanted "Shame!" and waved placards reading "Protect children, not Shein." Police were deployed to maintain order as rival designers and brands criticized BHV's decision to host the retailer.
Shein, headquartered in Singapore and originally founded in China, said it was cooperating with French prosecutors and had already suspended listings from third-party vendors. "This suspension allows us to strengthen accountability and ensure that every product meets our standards and legal obligations," said Quentin Ruffat, the company's head of public affairs in France.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that Shein, along with Temu, AliExpress, and Wish, is under investigation for making violent or pornographic content accessible to minors. Authorities said the probes were prompted by complaints from France's anti-fraud office over childlike sex dolls found online last weekend.
In response, Shein announced a worldwide ban on the sale of all sex dolls and pledged to permanently block sellers involved in the illegal trade. AliExpress said it had removed listings that breached its policies, while Temu denied any involvement but pledged cooperation with investigators.
Despite the controversy, BHV's owner, Frédéric Merlin, said he would maintain the partnership after Shein "acted swiftly and responsibly." Still, the backlash underscores growing public resentment toward the fast-fashion industry's labor practices and environmental record, issues that continue to shadow Shein's global expansion plans.
