In brief
In a significant move, France's consumer watchdog has filed a formal complaint against Shein, alleging the online retailer sold products resembling 'sex dolls with a childlike appearance'. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) noted that these listings raised severe concerns over child pornography implications. Shein has stated they are investigating how these items were listed and has already delisted the products. This controversy comes just days ahead of Shein's launch of its first physical store in Paris.
France's consumer watchdog has reported the Asian fast fashion giant Shein to authorities for selling sex dolls with a childlike appearance on its website.
The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) said the online description and categorisation of the dolls makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content.
Shein later told the BBC: The products in question were immediately delisted as soon as we became aware of these serious issues.
It said its team was investigating how these listings circumvented our screening measures. Shein is also conducting a comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items that may be listed on our marketplace by other third-party vendors.
The DGCCRF has reported Shein to French prosecutors as well as Arcom, the country's online and broadcasting regulator, according to French media.
The news has emerged just days before Shein is set to open its first permanent physical shop anywhere in the world - in a Parisian department store.
