France Moves to Suspend Shein’s French Website After Outcry Over Sex-Doll Listings as First Paris Store Opens

France launches procedure to suspend Shein's online access as store opens in Paris

France’s finance ministry announced on Wednesday that it has opened a formal procedure to suspend access to Shein’s online platform in France until the company demonstrates that its site content complies with French law. The move follows public outrage over listings of sex dolls with childlike features that were found on the fast-fashion retailer’s website.

The terse announcement came the same day Shein opened its first permanent physical store in Paris inside the historic BHV Marais department store. The launch drew both large crowds of shoppers and a small group of demonstrators who briefly disrupted the opening before being escorted out by security.

What authorities said and what happens next

The finance ministry provided few details, saying only that a first progress report would be delivered within 48 hours. It did not clarify whether the online-access suspension would affect the new physical boutique. Under French law, authorities can order online platforms to remove clearly illegal material — such as child sexual abuse content — within 24 hours. If platforms do not comply, officials can instruct internet service providers and search engines to block access or delist the site.

Shein said it would "cooperate with French authorities to address any concerns swiftly as we have always done" and that it was seeking dialogue with government bodies on the matter.

Shein’s response and actions

Shein has said it banned all sex-doll products, temporarily removed its adult-products category for review, suspended third-party marketplace listings and launched an internal investigation to determine how the objectionable listings passed its screening measures. Despite the government procedure, visitors were still able to access and place orders on the French version of Shein’s website at the time of the report.

Reaction at BHV Marais and the retail sector

Frédéric Merlin, president of Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), which owns BHV, welcomed the government's move and noted Shein had voluntarily suspended its marketplace. "I am satisfied with this decision and I hope that, in the end, we will be able to stop selling illicit products on these marketplaces," he said.

The BHV opening drew a mix of responses: several dozen protesters camped outside and an online petition opposing the store gathered more than 120,000 signatures, while many shoppers still attended. SGM hopes Shein’s arrival can help revive the department store, which has faced financial challenges, although some brands pulled out in protest.

Broader criticism: environmental and labor concerns

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has grown into a global fast-fashion powerhouse selling low-priced items, mainly made in China. The company faces ongoing criticism over environmental impacts and labor practices: critics have raised concerns about supply-chain transparency and possible links to forced labor, including allegations tied to China’s Xinjiang region where human-rights groups report abuses.

Representatives of SGM defended Shein, saying the company has improved practices and complies with French and European regulations. Environmental advocates, trade groups and some city officials remain skeptical, pointing to fast fashion’s rapid turnover and heavy environmental toll — the United Nations estimates the textile industry accounts for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes substantially to water depletion.

Policy response

France is moving to curb the influence of certain Southeast Asian e-commerce platforms, including Shein, Temu and AliExpress. A draft law targeting fast fashion proposes measures such as consumer-awareness campaigns, advertising restrictions, taxes on small imported parcels and stricter waste-management rules. The Senate has approved the proposal and the government has notified the European Commission ahead of a joint committee meeting to finalize the text.

The case underscores growing scrutiny of global fast-fashion platforms and their regulation in Europe. Officials say the pending government action aims to ensure legal and consumer protections are enforced online while the company investigates the disputed listings and engages with authorities.