Temu, Shein, and AliExpress under scrutiny for using toxic substances in their products: What's the deal?

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The European Commission considers some items dangerous. Photo: iStock

On February 5, 2025, the European Commission launched a consumer protection investigation into Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The executive branch issued several guidelines to address the problems posed by online purchases through websites that do not comply with established standards.

Some products have unsafe and low-quality parts. Photo: iStock

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These measures come in the face of growing evidence that many of the products distributed through apps do not meet the safety standards required to protect people.

Authorities discovered that some items pose a risk to customers, as many contain small parts, harmful chemicals, and banned substances such as butylphenyl methylpropional.

According to Michael McGrath , European Commissioner for Justice, the European Union must guarantee the safety of consumers, especially those who are potentially more vulnerable, such as children.

The European Commission also highlighted that some of the products offered on Chinese platforms do not comply with European Union standards regarding quality, the environment, and fair trade practices.

The European Commission will take more drastic measures. Photo: iStock

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Speaking to the British newspaper The Guardian, McGrath indicated that, in addition to health risks, these platforms have an economic impact on the commercial world , as they represent unfair competition for local businesses.

In this regard, the executive branch is considering several measures to improve customs controls and reduce the consumption of dangerous products distributed on Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

Additional taxes are planned for the purchase of certain products. Photo: iStock

One of the guidelines to be addressed is a "product safety sweep" using artificial intelligence, which means that tools will be able to detect and remove products from the market in accordance with safety regulations.

There are also plans to implement a model similar to that of the United States, in which individuals will have to pay an additional tax on each item imported from Chinese platforms.

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Temu, Shein, and AliExpress under scrutiny for using toxic substances in their products: What's the deal?

Hello !, Your email has been verified. Now you can choose the newsletters you want to receive with the best information.

Welcome , you've created your EL TIEMPO account. Learn about and customize yourprofile .

Hello Clementine, the email [email protected] has not been verified. Verify Email

You already have an account linked to EL TIEMPO. Please log in with it and don't miss out on all the benefits we have for you. Log in

Which Colombian city is classified as the most dangerous in the world?

How is the trial of former President Álvaro Uribe going?

Bus accident in Calarcá?

Unusual cold in Bogotá explained by Ideam

The European Commission considers some items dangerous. Photo: iStock

On February 5, 2025, the European Commission launched a consumer protection investigation into Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The executive branch issued several guidelines to address the problems posed by online purchases through websites that do not comply with established standards.

Some products have unsafe and low-quality parts. Photo: iStock

READ ALSO

These measures come in the face of growing evidence that many of the products distributed through apps do not meet the safety standards required to protect people.

Authorities discovered that some items pose a risk to customers, as many contain small parts, harmful chemicals, and banned substances such as butylphenyl methylpropional.

The European Commission will take more drastic measures. Photo: iStock

READ ALSO

In this regard, the executive branch is considering several measures to improve customs controls and reduce the consumption of dangerous products distributed on Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

Additional taxes are planned for the purchase of certain products. Photo: iStock

There are also plans to implement a model similar to that of the United States, in which individuals will have to pay an additional tax on each item imported from Chinese platforms.

READ ALSO