EU targets Shein and Temu over toxic and unsafe goods sold to consumers

The European Union is cracking down on Chinese platforms Shein and Temu over safety breaches.

The EU justice commissioner has raised alarm over the dangers posed by goods sold on Chinese shopping platforms Shein and Temu, warning of shocking safety failures as a Europe-wide investigation continues.

Commissioner Michael McGrath cited dangerous items including baby soothers with small beads that pose a choking risk, children's raincoats containing toxic chemicals, sunglasses without UV filters, and youngster's shorts with unsafe drawstrings. Cosmetics were also found containing Lilial, a chemical banned in the EU since 2022 over risks to fertility and fetal development.

More than 12 million low-value packages enter the EU each day from online sellers based outside the bloc.

McGrath said these platforms are bypassing European product laws and undermining local businesses.

“I am determined that we step up enforcement,” he said. “It’s not only about protecting consumers but ensuring a level playing field for EU businesses.”

The commissioner is awaiting results from an EU-wide secret shopper operation to support enforcement actions. In 2024, the Safety Gate rapid alert system recorded more than 4,000 alerts, with cosmetics topping the list, followed by toys and electrical appliances.

EU officials are now considering the removal of the 150 euro duty-free threshold and the introduction of a handling fee for each package to help fund customs checks and discourage non-compliant shipments.

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