PARIS — France’s consumer protection agency has taken action against the online fast-fashion retailer Shein, reporting it for selling childlike sex dolls. This revelation comes amidst growing scrutiny of the platform’s compliance with European Union regulations.
Regulatory concerns and previous fines
The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) announced on Saturday that it discovered Shein’s sale of sex dolls that resemble children. The agency has referred the case to the public prosecutor for further investigation.
Shein is already facing accusations in France and other countries regarding the sale of products that violate EU laws. Earlier in July, the DGCCRF issued a hefty fine of €40 million against the company for misleading consumers about pricing practices. Additionally, in May, the European Commission, alongside various consumer protection authorities, alerted Shein to potential breaches of consumer protection laws, highlighting issues such as deceptive discounts and questionable sustainability claims. EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath has expressed a strong commitment to enforcing compliance among platforms like Temu and Shein.
Legal implications and public response
The DGCCRF reminded the public that “the distribution of child pornography via an electronic communications network is punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of €100,000.” In response to these findings, the agency has also contacted Arcom, the French regulatory body responsible for overseeing companies like Shein.
In light of the serious allegations, Shein has been instructed to take immediate corrective measures. The company confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the controversial items have been removed from its platform, and they have initiated an internal investigation to understand how these listings evaded their control mechanisms.
Moreover, the DGCCRF highlighted concerns regarding the availability of pornographic content, noting that adult-looking sex dolls were accessible without adequate filtering measures to prevent minors from accessing such materials, which contravenes French law.
Shein’s presence in France has been contentious, particularly following its recent establishment within Paris’s flagship department store BHV, which has ignited significant backlash from various suppliers.