This photograph shows the Shein e-commerce site on a mobile phone with the company’s website page in the background in Paris on November 5, 2025. JULIE SEBADELHA / AFP
The French government said on Wednesday, November 5, it would suspend the Shein digital platform until the Asian e-commerce giant complied with French legislation, as controversy swirled over the online sale of childlike sex dolls. The announcement came as Shein opened its first brick-and-mortar store in the world in Paris amid a heavy police presence.
"On the instructions of the prime minister, the government is initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations," the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said. "An initial review will be conducted by ministers within the next 48 hours."
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