France Takes a Stand Against Controversial Shein Products

France is taking a firm stance against Shein, a popular online shopping platform. The issue? A sex doll with childlike features was found on their website. French authorities were quick to react, calling out the disturbing nature of the product and its description. The doll, standing at 80 centimeters tall and holding a teddy bear, had an explicitly sexual description on Shein's site. This raised serious concerns about the platform's content and its accessibility to minors. Shein responded swiftly, announcing a total ban on sex dolls and removing all related listings. The company's spokesperson in France, Quentin Ruffat, expressed their seriousness about the situation, stating that such content goes against their values. He assured that immediate measures would be taken to address the issue. French Economy Minister Robert Lescure weighed in, saying that boundaries had been crossed. He warned that if similar incidents occur, Shein could face a ban from operating in France. This is a serious threat, as French law allows for such measures in cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, or child pornography. This isn't the first time Shein has faced legal trouble in France. The company has previously been fined for issues like false advertising, misleading information, and not disclosing the presence of plastic microfibers in their products. In total, Shein has paid out €191 million in fines to French authorities in 2025 alone. Adding to the controversy, Shein is set to open its first physical store in central Paris. This move has sparked protests and outrage, further highlighting the public's concern about the company's practices.