Legal Status of Sex Dolls Around the World

Europe:

• United Kingdom: Adult dolls are permitted, provided they exceed a height of 140 cm and do not resemble minors.
• France: The sale of adult dolls is allowed, but they must adhere to stringent health and safety regulations.
• Germany: Sex dolls are legal, although there are privacy laws to safeguard the user’s personal information.
• Spain and Italy: Both countries impose regulations requiring dolls to comply with ethical advertising and public decency standards.
• Netherlands: While adult sex dolls are legal, child-like dolls are strictly prohibited, and retail stores must comply with zoning laws to avoid proximity to schools or residential areas.
• Sweden: The sale of sex dolls is permitted, but there are strict regulations aimed at child protection, banning any dolls that could be perceived as resembling minors.
• Norway: Similar to other Scandinavian nations, Norway allows adult sex dolls but enforces stringent restrictions on those with a child-like appearance.
• Denmark: The sale of sex dolls is allowed, but authorities rigorously enforce laws against the import and sale of dolls that look like children.
• Belgium: Sex dolls are legal, subject to health and safety standards, and their advertising is heavily regulated to prevent public indecency.

Asia, Africa & Oceania:

• Japan: Generally permits sex dolls, but bans child-like dolls.
• China: Strictly regulates sex dolls, especially those resembling minors, and imposes significant restrictions on advertising.
• Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar: Enforce a complete ban on sex dolls due to conservative laws.
• Australia: Some states impose strict rules, particularly regarding height restrictions for dolls.
• New Zealand: Similar to Australia, it enforces strict regulations, especially against child-like dolls.
• Malaysia: Prohibits sex dolls under obscenity laws, with authorities actively banning the sale and import of such items, particularly those that look like children, although enforcement can be inconsistent.
• Thailand: While not outright illegal, sex dolls occupy a legal gray area, with customs frequently seizing shipments due to moral and cultural concerns. Public sales and advertisements are generally discouraged.
• Singapore: Legalizes the sale and possession of sex dolls, but strictly bans those resembling children. Authorities regulate public display and marketing to align with public decency standards.
• Vietnam: Bans sex dolls under laws governing “obscene objects,” with potential legal consequences for importing or selling them. Customs are vigilant in confiscating such items.
• India: The sale of sex dolls is legal but poorly regulated. Public advertising or display may lead to legal action under obscenity laws, and child-like dolls are strictly forbidden, with authorities intensifying enforcement against their sale and import.
• Hong Kong: Permits the sale and possession of sex dolls, but bans those that resemble minors. Authorities also regulate public display and advertising to ensure compliance with public decency standards.
• Taiwan: Allows sex dolls but strictly prohibits child-like dolls. The country enforces regulations to ensure safety standards are met and restricts public advertising to uphold public decency.