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Shein withdraws some clothing items after Greenpeace report on unsafe products
Among the products was a children's mermaid costume, which exceeded EU's REACH chemical regulation's limits on formaldehyde, according to Greenpeace
Asian e-commerce giant Shein said that it decided to withdraw some clothing items from all platforms worldwide while it conducts an investigation, following a report by Greenpeace that claimed the products contain dangerous chemicals at levels well in excess of EU rules.
However, it stated that tests confirmed the items so far comply with EU regulations, saying: "We remain committed to full transparency, strict safety standards, and protecting our customers at every step... Your safety is our priority"
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A spokesman for Shein said the company "takes product safety very seriously and is committed to offering customers safe products that meet the relevant rules".
"As Greenpeace did not provide the test results in advance, we have not yet been able to evaluate them," he said, adding that the company was investigating Greenpeace's claims.
What did Greenpeace say?
Earlier in November, Greenpeace Germany said 18 clothing items out of 56 that it sent for testing "contained dangerous chemicals that exceed the limits in the EU's REACH chemical regulation, sometimes severely".
Among the products was a children's mermaid costume which exceeded the REACH limits on formaldehyde, the group said.
It also said adult jackets had high amounts of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics more flexible which have been linked to numerous health problems.
Greenpeace said in a statement that the substances "especially affected workers and the environment in the countries of production". "However consumers are also exposed to the chemicals through skin contact, sweat or breathing in fibres," the campaign group said.
When the garments are "washed or disposed of, the substances enter rivers, soils and the food chain".
Saudi Arabia issues statement
While Shein withdrew some clothing items worldwide, Saudi Arabia issued a statement urging customers to avoid direct shipment goods most associated with these harmful substances.
"Saudi Laboratories have previously tested SHEIN goods imported via e-commerce and confirmed their safety and compliance with specifications. Out of health precaution, the smartest option is to avoid direct shipment goods most associated with these harmful substances (shiny shoes and leather-contact accessories, newborn clothing, and water-resistant clothing," they said.
Controversy
Shein has faced various controversies over its business model and products. Earlier this month France moved to suspend Shein's online platform following outrage over its sale of inappropriate childlike dolls.
European retailers say they face unfair competition from overseas platforms, such as Shein, AliExpress and Temu, which they claim often do not comply with the EU's stringent rules on products.
The European Commission has said it will propose a draft law next year to tackle these issues.
Last week EU states also agreed to scrap a bloc-wide duty exemption on low-value orders from the likes of Shein to help tackle a flood of cheap imports into the bloc.
In October a German consumer organisation said its tests of a selection of products sold by Temu and Shein found that most of them did not conform to EU safety standards, with some of them potentially "poisonous" and others posing fire risks. At the time Shein said the products in question had been withdrawn.
Inputs from AFP
Yasmin Hussein
Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.
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