Shein has removed several products from sale across all markets after reports revealed widespread breaches of European safety rules in items sold by both Shein and Temu. The company
confirmed the global withdrawal in a statement to Belga on Thursday, describing the move as a “precautionary protocol.”
According to Shein, two of the problematic items had already been taken off the market earlier this year after internal safety reviews. The retailer said it conducted additional testing, which indicated that half of the products flagged by external agencies had passed checks in a different laboratory. Shein added that it aims to work with the testing agencies to understand why the results differ.
Earlier in the day, consumer group Testaankoop reported that 70% of products sold through Shein and Temu failed to comply with EU safety standards. Despite their reputation for low prices, the organisation warned that many of the platforms’ “bargains” may hide serious risks. Of 162 products examined, 112 did not meet European requirements.
Widespread failures in safety checks
Testaankoop and partner organisations purchased 162 randomly selected items sold by third-party vendors on both platforms, including toys, USB chargers and necklaces. None were chosen for appearing unsafe; all came from best-seller lists. The items underwent laboratory testing for mechanical, electrical and chemical safety, as well as labelling and packaging compliance.
The findings were stark. Only one of the 54 toys fully met EU safety standards. The other 53 failed at least one test, and 60% posed real hazards. Many toys contained detachable parts that presented choking risks, while others had inadequately sealed electronics or high levels of chemicals.
USB chargers performed no better: 52 out of 54 failed at least one assessment. Some broke open during drop tests or had pins that bent too easily. Seventeen showed electrical faults serious enough to cause short circuits, fires or burns.
Belgium responds
On Tuesday, Belgian federal environment minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) announced a new action plan intended to shield consumers from products containing toxic substances. Customs authorities, he noted, are increasingly intercepting items—particularly counterfeit jewellery—contaminated with dangerous materials such as cadmium and lead. Photo by DMCGN, Wikimedia commons.