The European Commission has expressed serious concerns about product safety standards on Chinese online retail platforms Shein and Temu, amid rising volumes of low-value goods entering the EU with questionable compliance.
EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said he was “shocked” by recent findings in an ongoing investigation into product safety, which revealed several high-risk items being sold through the two platforms.
Toxic Chemicals and Choking Hazards Among Violations
The EU’s scrutiny uncovered products including:
- Baby teethers with detachable beads pose choking risks.
- Children’s raincoats containing toxic substances.
- Sunglasses without proper UV protection.
- Cosmetics with Lilial (butylphenyl methylpropional), a chemical banned in the EU since 2022 for its harmful effects on fertility and fetal development.
These revelations stem from a secret shopper investigation conducted across EU countries, with a detailed report expected soon. According to the Commission, many of the items are in clear violation of European safety standards.
Record Safety Alerts and Economic Concerns
In 2024, the EU Safety Gate system issued a record 4,137 alerts for unsafe non-food items, with cosmetics, toys, and electronics topping the list.
Beyond consumer risks, McGrath warned that these violations place an economic burden on EU-based businesses, which must adhere to higher regulatory standards. “This dual threat—unsafe goods and unfair competition—undermines both consumer trust and local industry,” he said.
4.6 Billion Parcels and Overwhelmed Customs
The volume of small consignments has surged dramatically. The EU processed approximately 4.6 billion parcels under €150 in 2024—double the previous year’s total. National customs agencies are now struggling to manage the flood of packages, many of which originate from platforms like Shein and Temu.
In response, the EU is considering:
- Removing the €150 duty-free threshold.
- Imposing per-package handling fees to finance tighter inspections and discourage low-value imports.
These measures mirror the U.S. policy shift under President Donald Trump, where the $800 threshold was abolished, replaced with steep import taxes.
EU-China Talks and Retailer Responses
The issue is likely to be raised at the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing on July 25. In anticipation, both Shein and Temu have issued statements defending their safety practices:
- Shein claims to have spent $15 million on compliance efforts, including 2.5 million product tests and partnerships with independent labs.
- Temu submitted a report outlining its seller verification process and cooperation with international certification bodies.
Despite these assurances, Commissioner McGrath stressed that “self-regulation is not enough” and pledged tougher oversight and enforcement.
As the EU prepares to clamp down on potentially hazardous imports, the spotlight remains firmly on Shein and Temu—two of the fastest-growing retail platforms whose global rise now faces new regulatory headwinds in Europe.
