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November 5, 2025, 3:32 p.mNovember 5, 2025, 3:36 p.m
France has temporarily suspended the operation of the cheap online platform Shein. The reason: The low-cost provider sold sex dolls that looked like a child.
On the instructions of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the government has initiated a procedure to suspend the operation of Shein’s site until the platform can prove to authorities that all of its content complies with French laws and regulations, the Economy Ministry said in Paris. The ministers should draw an initial interim assessment within the next 48 hours.
Shein calls it an oversight. The dolls were offered by a third party. The company has since removed the products.
At the same time, Shein is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Paris on Wednesday. For weeks, people in the city have been protesting against the cheap fashion retailer, which has repeatedly been criticized for inhumane working conditions and ecological concerns.
A conservative MP also raised the alarm because the online platform was used to sell weapons that are banned in France without a special permit. According to the deputy, these were knives and brass knuckles. (cst/sda)