Online retailer Shein has banned the sale of all sex dolls from its global platform after facing outrage for listing dolls that appeared childlike, according to a BBC report.
The move comes after France’s consumer watchdog raised concerns over the dolls’ descriptions and categories, saying they left “little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content.”
In a statement on Monday, Shein said it had permanently banned all seller accounts linked to “illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products” and would strengthen monitoring measures.
The company also announced the temporary removal of its adult product category and confirmed that every image and listing related to sex dolls had been taken down.
“Shein has strengthened its keyword blacklist to prevent sellers from trying to bypass product restrictions,” the firm said.
Executive chairman Donald Tang described the incident as “deeply troubling” and vowed strict action.
“The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein,” he said. “These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers, but I take this personally. We are tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible.”
France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control first raised alarm about the listings on Saturday. The agency said it was monitoring how such products ended up on the platform.
Shein said it immediately removed the dolls and began investigating how they were allowed for sale.
France’s finance minister warned that the company could be banned from operating in the country if it continued to sell the offensive products.
Protesters gathered outside the BHV department store in Paris, where Shein is preparing to open its first permanent outlet in France this week.
The retailer, which has faced criticism in the past over fast fashion’s environmental toll and poor working conditions, said it will tighten seller verification to avoid similar controversies in the future.
