France has announced the suspension of Shein’s online platform following a nationwide outcry over the sale of childlike sex dolls, a controversy that erupted just as the Chinese-founded retailer opened its first physical store in Paris.
On Wednesday, November 5, hundreds of shoppers queued outside the BHV department store in central Paris, eager to explore Shein’s new retail space.
The store, located on the sixth floor of the iconic building near City Hall, opened under heavy police presence. Barricades were erected to separate demonstrators from the long lines of waiting customers.
Children’s rights activists and political groups gathered nearby, condemning Shein for alleged exploitation, poor working conditions, and environmental damage. Protesters also distributed flyers accusing the retailer of “suspected forced labour” and called for boycotts.
The backlash intensified after reports emerged that Shein and other online retailers, including AliExpress and Temu, had listed childlike sex dolls for sale. French prosecutors launched a judicial investigation into the matter, sparking political outrage and demands for swift government intervention.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office later announced an immediate suspension of Shein’s digital platform. “The government is initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate that all its content complies with our laws,” the statement said. Officials added that a ministerial review would take place within 48 hours.
The move marks one of France’s most significant regulatory actions against a global e-commerce company. Authorities said the suspension would remain in effect until Shein proves full compliance with French and European regulations.
In response, Shein said it would “fully cooperate” with French authorities and has already banned the sale of all sex dolls on its platform. The company added that it was suspending listings from third-party sellers in France and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with officials.
Meanwhile, in a related case, prosecutors in southern France confirmed that a man had been arrested after ordering a childlike sex doll from China. The suspect, previously convicted of sexual assault, admitted to buying the doll “for sexual purposes.”
Despite the uproar, Shein’s Paris store remained busy on opening day. Frédéric Merlin, director of the SGM company that operates BHV, said he had considered canceling the partnership but ultimately decided to proceed, hoping to boost footfall.
Shein, founded in China in 2012 and now based in Singapore, has long faced criticism for its ultra-fast fashion model, accused of driving overproduction and exploiting cheap labor. Its expansion into physical retail was seen as a strategic move to strengthen its European presence — one now clouded by scandal and suspension.
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