Esther Imonmion
Online retail giant Shein announced on Monday, November 3, a sweeping ban on all sex dolls sold through its global platform after public outrage over listings that appeared to feature dolls with “a childlike appearance.”
The Shein ban followed a warning from France’s consumer watchdog, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), which raised concerns over the weekend, saying the description and categorisation of some products left “little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content.”
In its statement, Shein confirmed the ban of “all seller accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products” and said it had temporarily removed its adult products category as a precaution. The company said it had deleted all related listings and images from its website and would strengthen global seller controls.
Shein also noted that it had tightened its keyword blacklist to prevent sellers from attempting to bypass restrictions.
Executive Chairman Donald Tang said the Shein ban underscores the company’s “non-negotiable stance against child exploitation.” He emphasised that while the listings were from third-party sellers, Shein is “tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office said it had received reports from the DGCCRF regarding Shein and other online marketplaces, including AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, over similar concerns about sex dolls resembling children. The case has been referred to OFMIN, France’s agency for preventing violence against minors.
France’s Finance Minister warned that the company could face a national ban if such products reappear—just days before Shein opens its first permanent store in Paris this week. Demonstrators gathered outside the BHV department store, opposite Paris City Hall, where the outlet is set to launch.
The Shein ban marks the latest in a series of controversies for the Singapore-based retailer, which has faced criticism over its environmental impact and labour practices in the fast-fashion industry.