All advertisements and images related to sex dolls have been removed from the website, Shein said. The list of banned keywords has also been expanded to counter “any attempt by sellers to circumvent the rules,” the press release said. The company emphasizes that the measure applies worldwide. In addition, Shein has also temporarily removed the ‘adult products’ category.
Carcinogenic substances and risk of fire: Consumers’ Association warns about products from Chinese web shops Temu and Shein
Shein CEO Donald Tang says in the press release that he “personally takes full responsibility” for the matter. At the same time, he does say that it was an advertisement from external sellers.
The French anti-fraud agency DGCCRF had complained on Saturday that “sex dolls with a childish appearance” are being sold on Shein’s website. The matter was also reported to the judiciary. Shein had already decided to remove those specific products from the website.
Demonstrators protest against Shein in Paris, where the company is opening a physical store on November 5. © ANP / HH
“If this happens again, we have the right to ban the Shein platform’s access to the French market, and I will also ask for that,” French Economy Minister Roland Lescure had subsequently stated.
The commotion comes at an unfavorable time for Shein. The company will open its first physical store in Paris on November 5. Last weekend there was a protest in front of the entrance against the sale of the sex dolls.
French justice has also opened investigations into the online platforms AliExpress, Temu and Wish, after reports of the sale of sexual dolls allegedly showing the appearance of children. AliExpress confirms that the reported ads have been removed.