Overview
- France’s consumer watchdog DGCCRF identified the illegal listings on Shein, referred the case to the Paris prosecutor, and cited rules requiring clearly unlawful content to be removed within 24 hours with potential blocking for repeat offenses.
- Economy minister Roland Lescure said he will seek to bar Shein from the French market if such products reappear or takedown obligations are missed; he also noted enforcement can be evaded through VPN use.
- Shein removed the items, announced a global ban on sex‑doll sales, suspended its adult‑products category, and launched an internal investigation, with CEO Donald Tang taking responsibility and pledging tighter compliance.
- The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed inquiries into the dissemination of pornographic or degrading material accessible to minors, extending scrutiny to similar listings on AliExpress, Temu and Wish.
- Public backlash grew ahead of Wednesday’s BHV Marais store opening in Paris as activists protested and several partner brands withdrew products, while the department store’s owner condemned the listings but kept the launch on schedule.