Popular online fashion retailer Shein is facing renewed scrutiny after environmental group Greenpeace discovered dangerous chemicals in its clothing that violate European Union safety standards.
Investigation Reveals Chemical Hazards
Greenpeace Germany conducted laboratory tests on 56 clothing items purchased from Shein and found alarming results. Eighteen of the tested products contained hazardous substances that exceeded limits set by the EU's REACH chemical regulation, with some items showing severe violations.
Among the concerning findings was a children's mermaid costume containing formaldehyde levels above permitted limits. The investigation also identified adult jackets with high concentrations of phthalates - chemicals used to make plastics more flexible that have been linked to numerous health problems.
Health and Environmental Risks
Greenpeace emphasized that these hazardous substances pose significant risks throughout their lifecycle. Workers in production countries and the local environment bear the initial impact during manufacturing processes.
Consumers also face exposure risks through skin contact, sweat, or inhaling fibers from the clothing. When these garments are washed or discarded, the chemicals enter waterways, soil, and ultimately the food chain, creating widespread environmental contamination.
Shein's Response and Broader Context
A Shein spokesman responded to the findings by stating the company "takes product safety very seriously" and is committed to offering customers safe products that comply with relevant regulations.
The company announced it would withdraw the identified articles from its marketplace worldwide as a precautionary measure. However, Shein noted that since Greenpeace didn't provide test results in advance, they haven't been able to evaluate them independently and are investigating the claims.
This isn't the first controversy for the fast-fashion giant. Earlier in November 2025, France moved to suspend Shein's online platform following outrage over its sale of childlike sex dolls. The company has repeatedly faced criticism from European retailers who claim overseas platforms like Shein, AliExpress, and Temu create unfair competition by not complying with EU product safety rules.
The European Commission has indicated it will propose a draft law next year to address these issues, and EU states recently agreed to remove duty exemptions on low-value orders from such companies to help combat the flood of cheap imports.
