France has urged the European Union to take decisive action against Asian e-commerce giant Shein after childlike sex dolls were found on its French website, triggering widespread outrage. Two government ministers on Thursday, November 6, called for sanctions under the EU’s strict digital laws, accusing the platform of failing to uphold European consumer standards.
“The European Commission must take action. It can no longer wait,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told France Info. “Investigations have been conducted, but they must now be followed by sanctions,” he insisted.
The appeal comes just one day after Shein opened its first physical store in Paris, where environmental and human rights activists protested outside the BHV department store. Despite the controversy, hundreds of customers lined up to explore the new outlet.
French authorities have already suspended Shein’s online sales while verifying compliance with national laws. Customs officers have been ordered to inspect around 200,000 incoming packages from the retailer, most arriving through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The European Commission, already probing Shein for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
EU digital spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the sale of childlike sex dolls was “extremely concerning,” adding that Brussels was in contact with France to assess whether the risks posed were systemic.
Under the DSA, only the host country—in this case, Ireland, where Shein’s EU headquarters are located—can initiate a full suspension of the platform. Regnier, however, emphasized that such a measure would be considered “a very last resort.”
In parallel, Brussels is examining Shein’s consumer practices, from deceptive discounts to misleading product information. Shein, which was added in April 2024 to the EU’s list of Very Large Online Platforms, faces strict obligations to protect consumers and ensure transparency in product listings.
Junior Minister for Digital Platforms Anne Le Hénanff said she and Finance Minister Roland Lescure had sent a letter urging the Commission to “use all its powers to shed light on Shein’s actions.” She stated on LinkedIn that “websites benefiting from the European market must adhere to its principles,” adding that “the era of impunity is over.”
Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin confirmed that customs officials had already intercepted illegal products from Shein, including unauthorized cosmetics, dangerous toys, counterfeit goods, and defective electronics.
In response, Shein’s CEO Donald Tang issued a letter to France’s trade minister pledging the company’s “steadfast commitment to comply with all French laws.” The company said it had immediately banned all sex dolls on its French website following the scandal.
Nonetheless, activists continue to denounce the brand for alleged labor abuses and environmental harm. Despite the backlash, BHV’s management said nearly 8,000 people visited the Shein store on opening day, underscoring the brand’s persistent appeal among French consumers.
As the EU weighs potential sanctions, France’s move signals a broader effort to hold global e-commerce platforms accountable under European law.