SHEIN is under scrutiny in France over this product listing
What's the story
French consumer watchdog, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), has flagged Asian fast fashion giant SHEIN to the authorities. The complaint is over the sale of "sex dolls with a childlike appearance" on its website. The DGCCRF said that the online description and categorization of these dolls "makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content."
Company response
We delisted products after becoming aware of issues: SHEIN
In response to the allegations, SHEIN told BBC that "the products in question were immediately delisted as soon as we became aware of these serious issues." The company further added that its team is "investigating how these listings circumvented our screening measures." SHEIN also said it is "conducting a comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items that may be listed on our marketplace by other third-party vendors."
Legal proceedings
DGCCRF reports SHEIN to French prosecutors
The DGCCRF has reported SHEIN to French prosecutors and Arcom, the country's online and broadcasting regulator. The move comes just days before SHEIN's first permanent physical store opening in Paris. The decision to open a SHEIN store in BHV Marais has sparked outrage among other clients of the upmarket store, with some top fashion brands even pulling their products from its shelves.
Ongoing issues
SHEIN's ultra-fast fashion model draws criticism
Founded in China, SHEIN has long been criticized for its factory working conditions and the environmental impact of its ultra-fast fashion business model. Despite these criticisms, the company has seen its share value skyrocket in recent years. The DGCCRF warned that "the dissemination, via an electronic communications network, of child pornography is punishable by up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine of €100,000 ($116,000)."
Previous penalties
France has already fined SHEIN thrice this year
Earlier this year, France had already fined SHEIN three times for a total of €191 million. The penalties were imposed for non-compliance with online cookie legislation, false advertising, misleading information, and failing to declare the presence of plastic microfibers in its products. Meanwhile, the European Commission is also investigating SHEIN over risks linked to illegal products.