E-commerce giants Temu and Shein under scrutiny by CPSC over safety concerns over cheap products

Online retailers like Temu and Shein are gaining attention for offering affordable products like baby clothes, kitchen gadgets, and electronics. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating whether these foreign online platforms are cutting corners that could impact product safety. CPSC Commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak issued a joint statement expressing concerns about the operation of these e-commerce sites, particularly regarding the safety of products sold on them.

The CPSC’s interest in Shein and Temu stems from alarming reports of unsafe products sold on their platforms. News agencies have highlighted specific safety violations, such as items for infants and children that pose a risk. For example, the report found that Shein sold children’s drawstring hoodies that were labeled as a choking hazard. Similarly, Temu sold children’s pajamas that violated flammability standards, raising further concerns about the safety of products on those platforms.

E-commerce giants Temu and Shein under scrutiny by CPSC over safety concerns over cheap products

Both Shein and Temu have responded to the criticism. Shein has said that customer safety is their top priority and that they invest heavily in compliance programs. Temu has also stressed that all sellers on their platform must comply with safety regulations, pledging to cooperate with any investigations by the CPSC. Both companies have shown a willingness to address the concerns raised by US authorities.

The CPSC investigation isn’t the first time U.S. government regulators have investigated foreign e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu. Last year, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report that outlined a variety of concerns about Chinese fast-fashion platforms. Those concerns included exploiting trade loopholes, product safety risks, copyright infringement, and the use of forced labor in the production of goods sold by the platforms.

The CPSC’s recent focus on Temu and Shein reflects growing concerns about the true costs of offering cheap products through these overseas retailers. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that consumer protection standards are being upheld, especially when it comes to the safety of children’s products. As these companies face increased regulatory scrutiny, the question remains how they will adjust to ensure they meet U.S. safety and compliance standards.