Toxic clothes: Shein under fire after failing German safety tests
8 out of 21 pieces of clothing from Shein contain traces of toxic chemicals—this is the result of a test conducted by the German organization Öko-Test. Among them were children's clothes. The Chinese e-commerce giant decided to withdraw them from sale.
The study shows that the tested clothes received at most a "satisfactory" rating. However, the majority were rated as "poor" or "unsatisfactory."
Disastrous test results for Shein clothes. they can be dangerous to health
The German organization Öko-Test commissioned an examination of 21 pieces of clothing from Shein. The results indicate that 8 of them contained traces of toxic substances, including children's and baby clothes.
For example, a girls' dress contained antimony, which can be absorbed through the skin and sweat. If it enters the bloodstream, it is highly toxic. Additionally, banned phthalates, dimethylformamide, lead, cadmium, naphthalene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected.
Shein withdraws toxic clothes
The Chinese platform responded to the reports of the test results. "Shein prioritizes the safety and health of all its customers, which is why we require our suppliers to adhere to strict guidelines and high standards that comply with European and global norms, such as REACH," the company stated in a communication quoted by "Wprost."
"We take Öko-Test's findings seriously and are withdrawing products from sale that, according to this organization, did not meet legal requirements," emphasized Shein.
This is a preventive measure in line with the company's safety protocols. In the meantime, Shein is conducting a "further investigation."
Another mishap for Shein
This is not the first time questionable-quality clothes have appeared on Shein. At the end of May 2024, the results of another study conducted by the consumer organization Test Achats were revealed. It indicated that 10 out of 25 pieces of clothing contained harmful substances. They were unfit for wearing and contact with children's skin.
Shein is a popular platform for cheap clothing, footwear, accessories, and home gadgets. It is the fourth favourite brand among teenagers.
The shopping centre distanced itself from allegations of workers' rights violations faced by the Chinese company. Kryspin Fic from the press office of Galeria Młociny told WP Finanse that "the agreement is short-term and does not foresee the possibility of continuation."
