After The Controversy Of Child Sex Dolls, Shein Brand Is Accused Of Greenpeace Violating EU Chemical Rules

Illustration. Children's toys. (Daniel Dan-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Greenpeace accused Asian e-commerce giant Shein of selling dangerous chemicals at a level that far exceeded EU (EU) rules.

Responding to the report published Thursday local time, a Shein spokesman told AFP that "as a precaution, we will withdraw items that we can identify from our market around the world."

Greenpeace Germany said 18 of the 56 clothes sent to be tested "containing hazardous chemicals that exceed the limits in EU's REACH chemical regulations, sometimes with very high levels."

The group said that among these products there were children's dugong costumes that exceeded the REACH formaldehyde limit.

They also said adult jackets contain high numbers of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic more flexible that have been linked to various health problems.

The factors, according to the report, "influence workers and the environment in the countries of production."

"However, consumers are also exposed to these chemicals through skin contact, sweat, or inhaling fiber," Greenpeace said.

According to Greenpeace, when the clothes were "circed or disposed of, the substances entered rivers, land, and food chains."

Shein's spokesman said the company was "deeply paying attention to product security and committed to offering products that are secure and comply with relevant rules to customers."

"Because Greenpeace did not provide the results of the previous test, we have not been able to evaluate it," he said.

He also emphasized that the company was investigating Greenpeace's claims.

Shein has faced various controversies regarding her business and product models.

Earlier this month, France decided to suspend online platforms from the Shein brand following public outrage over the sale of child sex dolls.

On the one hand, European retailers have argued that they are facing unfair competition from overseas platforms, such as Shein, AliExpress, and Temu, which they claim often do not comply with EU's strict rules on products.