The Consumers and Users Organization has focused on Products sold on Shein and Temu after coordinating, together with other European associations within the framework of the ICRT, an analysis that reveals numerous breaches of European Union safety standards. Of 162 inexpensive items tested in the laboratory, 112 presented irregularities and more than a quarter were considered potentially dangerous.
The exam focused on USB chargerschildren's toys and costume jewelryThe products underwent electrical, mechanical, and chemical testing, as well as a labeling review. According to the OCU (Spanish Consumers' Organization), the items were chosen "at random" from among the most popular ones, without looking for problematic cases, and yet the percentage of defects was high. 73% on Shein and 65% in Temu.
What has been investigated and how it has been tested
The research, coordinated by ICRT with associations of Germany, Belgium, Denmark and France[Name of researcher] acquired 162 products on both platforms and tested them in independent laboratories. The evaluation focused on... compliance with European regulations in electrical and mechanical safety, the presence of restricted substances and mandatory information on labels and instructions.
To ensure representativeness, the selection included 54 chargers, 54 toys for children under three years old, and 54 metal necklaces costume jewelry. The OCU emphasizes that these were cheap and popular items; in fact, the entire basket cost around 690 Euros, a figure that illustrates the aggressive pricing policy which, despite its attractiveness, may hide risks.
Chargers with fire risk and labeling failures
The results in power adapters were especially worrying: 54 USB chargers analyzed, only two were turning EU electrical requirements. Most showed structural weaknesses—bent pins, cracked casings, and failures in drop tests—that increase the risk during everyday use.
The most serious problem was the overheating14 devices reached temperatures of up to 88 ° C, exceeding the 77°C limit set by the Low Voltage Directive, a deviation that may cause firesThis is compounded by errors in labeling, with incomplete or misleading information on capabilities, certifications and safety instructions.
Children's toys: small parts, chemicals, and excessive noise
In toys intended for children under three years old, the study detected risks due to small pieces that come looseStickers and suction cups that are easy to tear off, and missing or confusing warnings. These types of defects increase the likelihood of choking and domestic accidents.
They were also found substances not recommended such as formaldehyde in tissues sold as toys at Temu, which can cause contact allergies. Additionally, squeaky balls were identified at Shein that reached peak levels of up to 115 dBlevels that exceed the recommendations to protect the hearing of young children.
Costume jewelry: cadmium at extreme levels and risks from contact
The analysis of 54 metal necklaces yielded a particularly alarming finding: cadmium concentrations were detected in three pieces from Shein. up to 8.500 times above beyond the legal limit. This metal is classified as a carcinogen and its presence in pendants poses a risk if it is accidentally put in the mouth or has prolonged contact with the skin.
The technicians evaluated both the total content of heavy metals (as cadmium and lead) such as the release of nickel through sweat. Although most models passed the tests, the cases that failed did so decisively and highlight the need for tighter controls in these low-cost accessories.
How the platforms responded and what the law requires
After receiving the detailed reports such as consumer organizationsShein and Temu quickly withdrew the products with serious defects, in line with their obligations. Digital Services Law (DSA). In some cases, affected buyers were even notified about the identified risks.
However, when the entities acted as ordinary customersThe responses were more general and limited in scope, according to the OCU. This contrast highlights that, without a active surveillanceMany potentially dangerous items may remain on sale for longer than desirable.
More public oversight and more judicious purchasing
The OCU is demanding action from the authorities. traditional customs controlsproactive surveillance and deterrent sanctions to the violators, reminding them that “bargains” can end up costing them dearly if they compromise safety. It also warns of the environmental impact of the mass mailings and the unfair effect on companies that do comply with the rules.
- Prioriza trusted businesses and brands with clear traceability.
- For chargers and electric vehicles, shop at official channels and check instructions and authentic CE marking.
- For toys for children under 3 years old, avoid small parts and confirm age warnings and certifications.
- In costume jewelry, be wary of ridiculously low prices and unspecified materials; if skin reactions occur, discontinue use of the product.
- Report dangerous items to the platform now consumer authorities to accelerate their withdrawal.
Temu's swift action in response to the OCU's warning
Temu has indicated that it takes product safety very seriously available on their platform. The company claims to have quickly removed the items in question and notified the sellers involved.
According to the company, It has a comprehensive quality control system designed to prevent, detect and eliminate non-conforming products complywhich includes physical inspections and collaboration with independent laboratories to verify compliance with European safety standards.
Temu emphasizes that it remains committed to offering a safe and reliable shopping experience, and with to ensure full compliance with European regulations in the area of product safety.
A market flooded with packages and a challenge for the EU
The volume of imports and the international deliveries They help to understand the magnitude of the problem: in the EU, around 4.600 million packages coming from China in a recent year, about 12 million a day, double the previous year and triple the year before that, according to the European CommissionWith this volume of water, monitoring requires resources and coordination so that the safety standards are fulfilled across all channels.
The findings of the OCU and the ICRT network show that the appeal of low price may come with real risks in chargers, toys, and jewelry. With greater public oversight, a swift response from marketplaces, and informed purchasing choices, exposure to unsafe products can be reduced without sacrificing the convenience of online shopping.
