French prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into Shein after France’s consumer protection agency, the DGCCRF, discovered listings on the retailer’s website for sex dolls appearing to depict minors.

The scandal erupted just days before Shein was set to open its first physical store in Paris at the historic BHV Marais department store.

According to official statements, the DGCCRF reported that the listings were of a nature 'leaving little doubt as to their child-pornographic character.' France’s finance minister, Roland Lescure, called the products 'horrible objects' and warned that if such conduct occurs again, Shein could face a nationwide ban.

The case was immediately referred to prosecutors for criminal review.

Shein responded by removing all sex-doll listings, banning such items globally, and temporarily suspending its entire adult-products category in France.

The company said the listings originated from third-party sellers and vowed to strengthen content moderation to prevent similar incidents.

Donald Tang, Shein’s executive chairman, took 'personal responsibility' and promised swift action against those responsible.

The controversy sparked widespread public outrage and protests in Paris.

Several brands withdrew their products from BHV Marais, and employees staged demonstrations outside the department store, denouncing Shein’s involvement.

Despite the backlash, SGM—the operator of BHV Marais—has stated that the store opening will proceed as planned and may be followed by additional Shein outlets across France.

French prosecutors also announced broader investigations into other e-commerce platforms, including Temu, AliExpress, and Wish, over possible distribution of sexualized or violent content involving minors.

The offence of distributing such material in France can carry up to five years in prison and fines reaching seventy-five thousand euros.

The case comes as Shein faces mounting scrutiny in Europe over deceptive advertising and sustainability concerns.

Earlier this year, the company was fined forty million euros in France for misleading commercial practices.

Now, the discovery of child-like sex dolls adds new urgency to debates on digital accountability and the ethical obligations of online marketplaces.

For regulators and consumers alike, the episode underscores a larger question: how to ensure that global e-commerce giants take genuine responsibility for what appears on their platforms, beyond disclaimers about third-party vendors.

Whether Shein’s reforms will satisfy French authorities remains uncertain, but the scandal has already shaken the company’s image on the eve of its Paris debut.