Overview
- Stiftung Warentest, working with Danish and Belgian consumer groups, tested 162 third‑party items from the platforms and found 110 in breach of EU safety requirements.
- Two necklaces bought on Shein contained cadmium at roughly 8,500 times the permitted limit, and the testers advised disposal at hazardous‑waste collection points.
- Baby fabric cloths showed excessive formaldehyde levels that can trigger contact allergies, and nearly all examined USB chargers were non‑compliant, with some heating to about 88°C versus the EU cap of 77°C.
- The testers published detailed results and an online warning list with article numbers so consumers can identify and discard affected purchases.
- Shein and Temu said they removed the flagged listings and notified sellers, while European Commission investigations continue, including a provisional view that Temu likely exposes consumers to non‑compliant products.