US Safety Commissioners Demand Investigation into Shein and Temu Over Dangerous Products

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) leaders have called for an investigation into major e-commerce retailers Shein and Temu following reports that “deadly baby and toddler products” have been sold on their platforms. The call for scrutiny, detailed in a letter posted on the CPSC website on Tuesday, comes amid growing concerns about the safety and regulation of products sold through these international retailers.

CPSC Commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak have urged the agency to examine how Singapore-based Shein and China’s Temu, alongside other foreign-owned e-commerce platforms, adhere to U.S. safety regulations. The investigation would focus on their compliance with safety standards, management of third-party sellers, and the representation of imported products.

Both Shein and Temu, known for their low-cost merchandise shipped directly from China, are raising “specific concerns” for the CPSC due to their utilization of the de minimis rule. This rule, which exempts packages valued at $800 or less from tariffs if sent directly to consumers, is seen as a contributing factor to the affordability and market success of these retailers.

Critics argue that the low prices facilitated by the de minimis rule, combined with questions about product quality, have enabled Shein and Temu to gain significant traction in the U.S. market. The companies have faced ongoing scrutiny over the safety of their products, with some being flagged as dangerous for children.

In response to these concerns, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers proposed a bill last year aimed at eliminating the de minimis exemption. This move reflects broader apprehensions about the impact of such regulations on consumer safety and the competitive landscape for U.S. retailers.

The call for investigation highlights the CPSC’s commitment to ensuring that all products sold in the U.S. meet stringent safety standards, regardless of their origin or the platforms through which they are sold.