Background on Shein and its Relevance
Shein, a Chinese e-commerce platform founded in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, has been under scrutiny in France due to the online sale of adult dolls resembling children. The company opened its first permanent physical store in Paris, which further intensified the situation.
France’s Decision to Initiate Suspension Process
On Wednesday, France announced the initiation of a procedure to “suspend” Shein’s operations within its territory, shortly after the grand opening of their first physical store in Paris. The French government stated that this action aims to give Shein sufficient time to prove that all its content complies with French laws.
Authorities have given Shein 48 hours to remove the prohibited products. If they fail to do so, the government can enforce a “digital seizure,” allowing them to demand the suspension of their website, as per the Ministry of Economy.
Shein’s Response
In response, Shein acknowledged the decision and reiterated their commitment to customer safety and marketplace integrity. They expressed their willingness to engage with authorities swiftly to address concerns and announced the suspension of their marketplace in France following the doll controversy.
This year, France has already imposed three fines totaling 191 million euros (219 million USD) on Shein for violations of cookie legislation, false promotions, misleading information, and failure to disclose microplastics.
Pressure and Protests
A significant police presence accompanied the grand opening of Shein’s first physical store at the historic BHV department store in central Paris. Despite this, hundreds of people lined up hours before the opening out of curiosity or loyalty to an accessible brand.
Mohamed Joullanar, a 30-year-old shopper, commented to AFP, “Times have changed; generations have changed.” However, some, like Hammani Souhaila, left disappointed as the in-store prices were higher than online.
Activists protested near the store, holding signs that read “Protect children, not Shein.” The controversy surrounding childlike adult dolls adds to existing criticisms of Shein’s labor conditions and environmental impact due to its fast-fashion business model.
Legal Investigations and Shein’s Commitment
The Paris prosecutor’s office initiated investigations against Shein, along with online retail rivals AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, focusing on the dissemination of violent, pornographic, or degrading content accessible to minors.
French media reported on a photo of one such doll, accompanied by an explicitly sexual caption. The doll stands approximately 80 centimeters tall and holds a teddy bear.
Shein pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities and announced a ban on all adult dolls resembling children. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez requested that the court block Shein’s website due to concerns about machetes and brass knuckles also being listed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the controversy about? France is investigating Shein for selling adult dolls that resemble children, leading to the initiation of a suspension process.
- What actions has France taken against Shein? France announced a procedure to suspend Shein’s operations, giving them 48 hours to remove prohibited products. If they fail, the government can enforce a digital seizure to suspend their website.
- How has Shein responded? Shein acknowledged the decision and committed to cooperating with authorities while announcing a ban on childlike adult dolls. They expressed their willingness to engage with French authorities regarding concerns.
- What are the existing criticisms of Shein? Critics have raised concerns about Shein’s labor conditions, environmental impact due to its fast-fashion model, and now the sale of controversial adult dolls.
- What legal investigations are underway? The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating Shein, along with AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, for disseminating violent, pornographic, or degrading content accessible to minors.
