French Court Denies Shein Website Ban Over Childlike Dolls Issue
A French court has dismissed a request from the government to suspend the fast-fashion retailer Shein’s website. The case emerged after concerns were raised about the sale of sex dolls designed to appear childlike. The court deemed the three-month suspension request as “disproportionate” but mandated age verification for adult products sold on the platform.
Background of the Case
This legal action followed a report from France’s consumer watchdog about Shein’s sale of products that included “sex dolls with a childlike appearance” and weapons. Shein subsequently stated that its priority is to protect French consumers and comply with regulations.
Court Ruling Details
- The court acknowledged the gravity of selling childlike sex dolls and weapons.
- It noted that these instances were isolated and not representative of the numerous products available on Shein’s site.
- Shein had already begun removing the problematic items upon notification.
Shein’s Response to Controversy
In light of the controversy, Shein announced a ban on the sale of all sex dolls globally. The court also rejected a government request that aimed to force Shein to suspend sales of third-party items, which included the controversial products.
New Age Verification Measures
The court’s decision mandated that Shein implement age verification for adult items. Each violation of this requirement could incur a fine of €10,000 (approximately £8,700 or $11,700).
Impact of the Decision
This ruling came just as Shein was about to open its first physical store in Paris, which drew both customers and protests. Opposition stemmed not only from the sale of childlike dolls but also from Shein’s reputation as a fast-fashion brand.
Shein’s Commitment to Compliance
In a public statement, Shein emphasized its commitment to enhancing its control processes in collaboration with French authorities. The company aims to set high standards in the industry while ensuring the protection of consumers and adherence to local laws.
