Children’s products sold by fast fashion behemoth Shein have been found to contain toxic substances hundreds of times above acceptable levels, researchers say.
The Chinese-founded online shopping giant has surged in popularity thanks to its ultra-cheap apparel and accessories, selling to customers in more than 150 countries — including huge numbers in Australia.
Its skyrocketing market traction across the globe has brought with it increased scrutiny of its operations and standards, with South Korean officials keeping a close eye on Shein and competitors Temu and AliExpress.
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Eight leather Shein products were recently tested by Seoul authorities, with several found to contain unacceptable levels of phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastic and make it more durable.
Alarmingly, one pair of shoes contained 428 times the permitted level of phthalates, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government this week. Three bags were also found to have chemicals well above safety limits.
Phthalates are used in thousands of items including cosmetics, toys and containers, but have also been linked to a range of health problems including obesity and fertility troubles.
“Unlike officially imported products, overseas direct purchase products enter the country without separate safety inspections, creating a de facto safety blind spot,” a Seoul city official said.
“We cannot stand idly by while citizens’ health is at risk, so we have been announcing the results of our inspections conducted with professional institutions every week.”
Responding to the claims, Shein said it had strict controls and standards in place for suppliers and “takes product safety very seriously”.
Shein said more than 400,000 chemical safety tests had been carried out with international third-party testing agencies in the past year to ensure compliance.
“Upon learning of any claim against our products, we immediately remove the product(s) from our site as a matter of caution whilst conducting our investigation,” a spokesperson for the business, which has its headquarters in Singapore, said.
“If non-compliance is verified, we will not hesitate to take appropriate follow-up action with the supplier of said product.”
Shein’s popularity has exploded in Australian amid a cost-of-living crisis, with close to 800,000 shoppers looking to snap up cheap clothing and accessories each month, according to Roy Morgan.
Shein Australia is reported to have made close to $1 billion in revenue in 2023, with low costs and convenience proving a winning formula among young parents and larger households in particular.
“Shein and Temu have surprised everyone, few could have predicted that a mass market for ultra-cheap throw-away retail existed in Australia,” Roy Morgan chief executive Michele Levine said.
“Certainly, cost-of-living pressures have fuelled both Shein and Temu’s stunning rise as Australians look to get more for their dollars.”