Shein Bans All Sex Dolls Worldwide After Outrage Over ‘Childlike’ Products

Global fast-fashion giant Shein has permanently banned the sale of all sex dolls from its online platform following international outrage over products allegedly designed with “childlike features.”

The move comes after France’s consumer watchdog, the DGCCRF, raised alarm over listings on Shein’s website that appeared to depict dolls resembling children — describing the content as leaving “little doubt as to its child pornography nature.”

Amid mounting criticism and public protests in Paris, Shein confirmed it had removed all listings and images related to sex dolls and suspended its entire adult products category pending a comprehensive review.

In a statement, Shein said it had banned all third-party seller accounts linked to “illegal or non-compliant” products and vowed to tighten controls to prevent similar incidents.

“The company has strengthened its keyword blacklist to stop sellers from attempting to bypass restrictions,” Shein said.

Its executive chairman, Donald Tang, condemned the listings, emphasizing zero tolerance for exploitation. “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.”

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed it had received reports about Shein and other online retailers — including AliExpress, Temu, and Wish — from the DGCCRF concerning the sale of childlike sex dolls. The investigation has been handed over to OFMIN, a French agency that combats violence against minors.

France’s Finance Minister had earlier warned Shein could face a national ban if it failed to act swiftly, just days before the company was set to open its first permanent retail outlet in Paris.

Protests erupted outside the BHV department store near Paris City Hall, where Shein’s new outlet is scheduled to open this week. Demonstrators carried posters condemning the company for allowing the sale of the disturbing items, intensifying global scrutiny of the brand’s practices.

The controversy adds to Shein’s growing list of challenges, from environmental criticisms over fast-fashion waste to allegations of poor working conditions in its supply chain.

Shein said it is now working to ensure “strict compliance and accountability” across its marketplace, pledging stronger safeguards as it faces heightened pressure from European authorities.