London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Thursday, fast-fashion retailer Shein announced plans to enhance its product testing this year, following a warning from the EU about potential fines if it fails to tackle concerns regarding unsafe and hazardous items available on its platform.
In addition to selling its own line of apparel in 150 nations, the firm operates a marketplace where vendors sell toys, electronics, and home goods that are sent straight from factories, mostly in China, to customers all over the world.
In 2025, Shein plans to do 2.5 million product safety and quality checks, up from 2 million the previous year. The company also stated it plans to allocate $15 million this year for compliance initiatives. Since the inception of its marketplace, Shein has ceased partnerships with over 540 sellers due to compliance violations.
What did the EU warn Shein about recently?
The Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein has received a warning from the European Union about possible penalties and legal repercussions for breaking EU regulations and sanctions. This caution coincides with the EU’s larger initiative to assure adherence to its restrictive measures and bolster the execution of penalties.
On Monday, Shein was notified by the European Union’s Consumer Protection Co-operation (CPC) network of national consumer management and the EU Commission regarding practices that violate EU consumer law, allowing the company a month to respond.
Shein has experienced swift growth by delivering affordable products directly to consumers. In February, the European Commission cautioned Shein and Temu, another Chinese e-commerce platform, that they would be responsible for any unsafe and hazardous products available on their websites.
Could Shein face fines for unsafe products?
“Shein now has a month to reply to the CPC Network’s conclusions and offer pledges to address the consumer law concerns that were found. The CPC Network may speak with the business in light of Shein’s response.” it said.
“National authorities may take enforcement measures to guarantee compliance if Shein fails to resolve the concerns brought out by the CPC Network. This may entail levying fines based on Shein’s yearly sales in the relevant EU member state,” the statement also said.
