France Urges EU Investigation into Shein After Doll Scandal

France is increasing pressure on the European Union to launch an investigation into the Chinese company Shein, following the discovery of sex dolls with child-like features and illegal weapons being sold on its platform.

French authorities have already initiated a procedure to suspend Shein's operations in the country due to the illegal products. French Minister of Economy, Roland Lescure, and Minister of Digital Affairs, Anne le Hénanff, sent a letter to the EU Commissioner for Technology, Henna Virkkunen, requesting an immediate investigation.

French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, called on the European Commission to impose sanctions on Shein, arguing that it violates European rules.

Shein has already suspended its shopping platform in France and stopped selling sex dolls worldwide. The company has been targeted by French authorities before, receiving fines of 191 million euros in 2025 for violations related to false advertising, online cookies, and failure to declare microplastics.

The incident comes days before the opening of Shein's first physical store in Paris, which has sparked reactions.