A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pressing the online retailer Shein for detailed answers after allegations emerged that its U.S. platform may have offered dolls with a childlike appearance for sale.
The inquiry comes as domestic concerns over child exploitation converge with broader oversight of electronic commerce.
A letter to Shein's chief executive outlines serious concern that the company's U.S. marketplace may have been used to offer "childlike sex dolls" to American customers.
The correspondence, led by Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., demands that Shein clarify whether the listings were ever available in the United States and how the company ensures that such products are blocked, according to Axios.
The lawmakers reference Shein's 2024 Sustainability and Social Impact Report, which states that sellers are prohibited from offering goods promoting "child abuse and exploitation."
They quote the report to say: "There is no question as to whether these dolls encourage child abuse and exploitation."
In parallel, French regulators triggered scrutiny after the Directorate‑General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) found listings of sex-doll products with a childlike appearance on Shein's French platform, according to Reuters.
The directorate-general said the descriptions and categorization of those items "leave little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content."
Shein said in response that the listings were from third-party sellers, that the items had been removed, and that the company had banned all sex-doll products.
In its statement, the company declared: "These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers. ... I take this personally."
On the U.S. front, the lawmakers set a Dec. 20 deadline for Shein to respond to a series of questions, including whether such products were ever offered to U.S. consumers, how many were sold, and what steps the company has taken to prevent a recurrence.
Analysts say the case places Shein at the intersection of two growing pressures for conservative policymakers: protecting children and overseeing large online marketplaces.
The cross-party nature of the letter reflects increasing consensus in Washington that foreign-based platforms must be held to clear standards.
Shein, founded in China and now based in Singapore, has faced criticism on its labor practices, environmental footprint, and trade practices.
The addition of alleged child exploitation products raises further risk of regulatory and reputational damage, particularly in nations such as France, where proceedings to suspend Shein's digital marketplace were launched until the items were withdrawn.
The lawmakers' action may signal to U.S. regulators that third-party marketplace monitoring is becoming a priority.
If Shein fails to satisfy the questions, potential outcomes include inquiries from the Federal Trade Commission, targeted legislation, or tighter import controls. The company's global strategy of ultra-low pricing and rapid expansion may come under even greater regulatory constraints.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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