Temu and Shein: products hundreds of times more toxic than permitted

South Korean authorities have tested products from the Chinese low-cost suppliers Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The results were unsurprising, but nevertheless alarming: in one pair of shoes, the testers found a level of phthalates 229 times higher than permitted. The plasticizers can make women infertile and cause premature births - an official from the South Korean health authority confirmed this to The Strait Times newspaper.

The authorities have ordered and examined a total of 144 articles. According to the newspaper, most of them did not meet the legal requirements. They also contained chemicals that are considered carcinogenic. Two nail polishes from Shein contained 3.6 times the permitted level of dioxane - the liquid is also said to be carcinogenic, but can also lead to liver poisoning. In addition, the methanol concentration was 1.4 times higher than permitted.

Shein is said to have already responded to the allegations. They say they are working closely with international testers to ensure that products meet standards. Specifically, they say, "to ensure that products supplied by suppliers meet Shein's product safety standards" - meaning Shein sees the responsibility as lying with the producers rather than themselves. Temu also says it has launched an internal investigation as a result of the findings.

EU and Amazon against Temu and Shein

The EU recently took on the Chinese marketplace operators. They are demanding information about the controversial practices of the stores. The EU is referring to the Digital Services Act (DSA), which sets out rules for marketplace operators. These include a ban on so-called dark patterns, i.e. a site design that tempts users to take certain actions. This could include the numerous games of chance on the platforms, where you can win percentages or even a free purchase, for example. There are allegations that the products, including shipping, are financially supported by the Chinese government. The dumping is intended to weaken competitors such as Amazon.

However, the DSA also requires reporting mechanisms for faulty offers and measures to protect minors. The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vvbv) also issued warnings to Temu operator Whaleco and Shein - both have issued cease-and-desist declarations. However, the supervisory authorities are responsible for the actual enforcement of the DSA.

The previous top dog Amazon apparently sees itself under attack from its Chinese competitors. In response, Amazon is reportedly planning its own low-cost store that delivers directly from China. The media are said to have seen a presentation aimed at Chinese manufacturers. A potential launch is expected for the fall in the USA. Chinese products are nothing new at Amazon - neither via Amazon's logistics centers nor as direct shipments via the warehouse pages. What would be new is a separate homepage for low-cost products that would be shipped directly from manufacturers in China to consumers.

(emw)