France to Ax Shein’s Online Market over Listings of Illegal Weapons, Sex Dolls

France’s government said it is moving toward suspending access to Shein’s online marketplace until the company proves its content conforms to French law, after authorities found illegal weapons and child-like sex dolls for sale on the fast-fashion giant’s website, Samuel Petrequin reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Shein has pledged to work with French authorities to address their concerns. (Photo: SHEIN Group) 

The Finance Ministry said the government made the decision after officials found “large quantities” of illegal “Class A” weapons on Shein’s popular e-commerce platform, following the discovery last week of illegal sex dolls with child-like characteristics.

The ministry did not specify which weapons were found, but Class A includes firearms, knives, machetes, and war materials. It said that if the prohibited items remain listed, authorities may suspend the site in France.

The decision came the same day Shein opened its first permanent store in Paris inside one of the city’s most iconic department stores.

The opening drew crowds of shoppers to the BHV Marais, but also a small group of protesters who briefly disrupted the event by waving anti-Shein signs before being escorted out by security.

Shein, founded in China in 2012 and now based in Singapore, pledged to work with French authorities to address their concerns.