Shein bans all sex dolls after outrage over childish products

Online retail giant Shein said it has banned the sale of all sex dolls on its platform worldwide, after it was accused of displaying “childish-looking” products on its website.

The French consumer watchdog first raised concerns at the weekend over the dolls’ description and classification, saying it left “little doubt as to the nature of the child pornographic content”.

The company said on Monday that it has permanently banned “all seller accounts associated with illegal or non-compliant sex doll products” and will tighten controls across its global platform.

Shein also says it has temporarily removed the adult product category as a precaution.

The company said that every listing and image related to sex dolls has been removed from the SheIn platform.

The retailer added that it would conduct a comprehensive review, with plans to put stricter controls on sellers.

“The company has also strengthened its keyword blacklist to prevent attempts to circumvent product listing restrictions by sellers,” Shen said.

“The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shen. These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers — but I take this personally,” said company CEO Donald Tang.

He added: “We are tracking down the source and will take swift and decisive action against those responsible.”

France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Anti-Fraud initially raised concerns about the dolls on Saturday.

In response, Shein said it removed listings for childish sex dolls as soon as it became aware of the issue and began an investigation into how the products were offered for sale on its platform.

France’s finance minister has threatened to ban the Singapore-based retailer from entering the country if it continues to sell products – days before the company opens its first permanent outlet in Paris.

People were seen protesting outside the BHV department store opposite Paris City Hall, where the Shein store is scheduled to open this week.

The brand has previously come under scrutiny over the environmental impact of fast fashion and the working conditions of the people who make products sold on the platform.