Consumer safety watchdog Stiftung Warentest has uncovered significant safety concerns in products sold through the online marketplaces Temu and Shein. An extensive review of 162 items obtained from third-party vendors on these popular platforms revealed that 110 failed to meet core European Union (EU) safety regulations.

The tested products included a wide range of consumer goods such as children's toys, jewelry, and USB chargers. The investigation found hazardous substances and physical risks in many of the items, raising serious concerns about the safety of frequently purchased goods on these fast-growing e-commerce platforms.

Findings Highlight Toxic and Hazardous Products

Among the products tested, children's toys and baby accessories were found to contain dangerous chemicals, with some baby cloths exhibiting excessive formaldehyde levels. This chemical is known to trigger contact allergies and can be particularly harmful for infants. In several cases, mandatory warning labels were missing from the packaging, further heightening the potential risk to consumers.

The analysis of jewelry items uncovered high levels of toxic heavy metals. Two necklaces were found to contain cadmium at concentrations 8,500 times higher than the EU's legal threshold. Cadmium exposure is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, and should be disposed of at designated hazardous waste facilities to prevent environmental and human harm.

Electronic Devices Pose Fire Hazards

Stiftung Warentest also evaluated USB chargers commonly purchased through Temu and Shein. Nearly all tested chargers failed to comply with EU safety limits. Many units overheated during charging, with surface temperatures reaching up to 88 degrees Celsius--well above the EU maximum allowed temperature of 77 degrees. Overheating can result in melted casings, damaged internal insulation, and a heightened risk of fire.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies

The platforms Temu and Shein, both established in China, have gained rapid popularity across Europe by offering direct-to-consumer sales of low-priced goods. However, their business models, which primarily feature third-party sellers, have drawn increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies in the EU. Ongoing investigations in Brussels are examining whether these companies are violating consumer protection laws and digital marketplace regulations.

Preliminary findings from the European Commission suggest that consumers purchasing from these platforms are likely to encounter products that do not align with EU safety or consumer protection standards. In response to these findings, Stiftung Warentest has published a list of product numbers for items found to be unsafe, urging consumers to exercise caution and, if necessary, properly dispose of hazardous products.

Consumer Guidance and Next Steps

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant when purchasing goods from online marketplaces, especially those offering steep discounts on everyday items. It is recommended to verify the presence of safety labels and to consult independent product reviews and safety alerts. For items identified as hazardous, proper disposal at specialized facilities is critical to protect both personal health and the environment.

As European authorities continue their investigations, the findings from Stiftung Warentest underscore the importance of comprehensive safety checks and regulatory enforcement for imported consumer goods. The report highlights the ongoing need for both platform accountability and consumer awareness in the rapidly evolving landscape of global e-commerce.