Paris: France has moved to suspend fast-fashion giant Shein’s online platform in the country after authorities launched an investigation into the sale of child-like sex dolls on its site. The move triggered major backlash just as the retailer opened its first physical store in Paris.
The economy ministry said the suspension would remain in place until Shein proves full compliance with French laws and content regulations. The swift action came barely an hour after the brand opened a flagship pop-up space at the BHV department store, where long queues of shoppers formed outside while protesters chanted “Shame!” at customers.
The probe, led by Paris prosecutors, follows findings by France’s anti-fraud agency that flagged disturbing listings on Shein’s platform. Similar investigations are underway into Temu, AliExpress, and Wish. Authorities are examining accusations that minors could access violent or sexually inappropriate content, including items resembling children.
Shein said it has already paused listings from third-party sellers while tightening marketplace rules, adding that it is cooperating fully with French authorities. The company announced it had banned the sale of all sex dolls globally and would permanently block any vendors involved in illegal activity.
🔴Sur instruction du Premier ministre @SebLecornu, le @gouvernementFR engage la procédure de suspension de #Shein.
Plus d’infos : https://t.co/QfvsHwHS3z pic.twitter.com/aN8aGQGLf6
— Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances (@Economie_Gouv) November 5, 2025
The controversy has sent shockwaves through France’s fashion and retail community. BHV’s decision to host Shein sparked anger from designers and rival brands, some of whom said they would withdraw from the store in protest. Inside BHV, activists continued demonstrations, and one protester released a foul-smelling spray to disrupt the opening.
Fashion icon Agnès B, who plans to exit BHV by January, called Shein’s business model damaging, warning of job losses and harmful industry practices.
BHV’s operator initially considered cancelling the partnership but later confirmed it would continue, saying Shein had reassured them that its products respect labour and ethical standards. Meanwhile, Galeries Lafayette, distanced itself from the brand, refusing to host its counters in several French cities and opting to remove its name from shared retail spaces.
The investigation is being handled by the Office for the Protection of Minors, which monitors online crimes and exploitation. AliExpress and Temu stated they take the matter seriously and do not allow such content, while pledging cooperation with authorities.
