France has initiated proceedings to suspend the operations of Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein in the country following the discovery of child-like sex dolls and banned weapons on its online marketplace. The announcement coincided with the opening of Shein’s first physical store in Paris, located in the historic BHV department store, sparking public outrage and political criticism.

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Marketplace Controversy Overshadows Paris Store Launch

On November 5, 2025, Shein officially opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Paris. However, the event was overshadowed when France’s consumer protection watchdog discovered sex dolls on the platform, prompting widespread condemnation.

The French Finance Ministry stated:

“On the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government is initiating proceedings to suspend Shein for as long as necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the authorities that all of its content is fully compliant with our laws and regulations.”

In response, Shein announced it had sanctioned sellers of the dolls, implemented a global ban on sex dolls, and temporarily suspended its marketplace in France to review third-party seller operations.

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French Lawmakers and Ministers Demand Action

Commerce and Small Business Minister Serge Papin emphasized the urgency of the issue:

“Enough is enough with the pedopornographic dolls, and now the weapons,” he said before ordering the suspension of the platform.

Lawmakers identified listings for prohibited items such as brass knuckles and an axe, which are banned under French law. France’s Digital Minister Anne le Henanff has called on the European Commission to investigate Shein’s practices, though the EU has yet to open a formal probe.

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Shein Faces Parliamentary Hearing

French lawmakers summoned Shein representatives to a parliamentary hearing scheduled for November 18, 2025, to answer questions regarding its marketplace compliance. The company has confirmed it will attend.

France’s approach reflects previous experience in regulating online platforms. In 2021, the government temporarily suspended the U.S. e-commerce site Wish after similar safety concerns arose.

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Public Outcry and Protests

The opening of Shein’s Paris store provoked protests from both citizens and advocacy groups. Supporters of Mouv’Enfants, an organization combating violence against children, held placards outside the BHV department store, warning about the dangers of child-like sex dolls.

Artist Leslie Green commented:

“I was just passing by but I’m already aware that they’re selling a little doll that looks like a little girl that encourages pedophilia, so I’m very disgusted by that.”

The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating Shein and AliExpress for allegedly disseminating pornographic content involving minors, which could carry up to five years in prison and fines of 75,000 euros.

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Marketplace vs. Physical Store

Shein operates both its own branded clothing and products from third-party sellers through its online marketplace. While the Paris store sells only Shein’s own items, the marketplace has been the source of controversy.

SGM, the department store operator, partnered with Shein to attract a younger audience to its stores. Following the marketplace suspension, SGM Chairman Frédéric Merlin stated:

“I salute this decision… I hope that finally we will be able to stop the sale of illicit products on these platforms.”

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What This Means for E-Commerce Regulation in France

France’s swift action against Shein highlights growing scrutiny of online marketplaces under both national and EU law. The case underscores the challenges of monitoring third-party sellers and protecting consumers from illegal or unsafe products.

With parliamentary hearings, marketplace suspensions, and potential EU investigations, Shein faces heightened regulatory pressure across Europe.