The Spanish Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) has raised the alarm following a coordinated European investigation into items sold on the Shein and Temu marketplaces . The examination, conducted in conjunction with consumer associations in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and France under the ICRT framework, points to repeated security flaws in low-cost products.
The results are significant: of the 162 products analyzed , 112 showed some type of non-compliance with EU regulations . In relative terms, the percentage of violations was 73% at Shein and 65% at Temu , and more than a quarter of the items were considered potentially dangerous for the consumer.
What the European investigation reveals
The study was conducted using randomly selected popular items , without deliberately choosing those that might appear more problematic, thus reinforcing the idea that defects only surface in a representative sample . The items underwent electrical, mechanical, and chemical safety tests, in addition to verification of mandatory labeling.
The sample was divided equally: 54 USB chargers , 54 toys for children under three, and 54 costume jewelry necklaces. All were tested in independent laboratories, and the low-priced set cost around €690 , a figure that illustrates just how key price is to these platforms.
The OCU stresses that, although safety must prevail: ICRT's findings show that a substantial part of the supply fails to meet basic EU requirements, from warnings for use to limits on hazardous substances.
USB chargers: overheating and poor labeling
Power adapters were the most concerning area: only 2 out of 54 chargers met all European electrical requirements. In many cases, breakable casings, easily bendable prongs, and failures in drop tests were detected—issues that shouldn't occur under normal use.
The most alarming fact is the overheating : 14 devices reached up to 88 ºC, above the limit of 77 ºC set by the Low Voltage Directive, a deviation that can cause deformations, damage the insulation and even cause fires.
Furthermore, the labeling of many models was incomplete or confusing, with essential information missing regarding power, certifications, or safety instructions, leaving the user without the minimum references for safe use.
Toys for the little ones: loose parts, chemicals and noise
In the children's section, most of the 54 items intended for children under three years old presented some problem: small detachable parts , stickers and suction cups that tear off easily were found, and age warnings were missing or misleading on their labels.
There were also chemical findings: formaldehyde was detected in tissues sold as toys in Temu, a substance associated with allergic contact reactions. Meanwhile, squeaky balls purchased from Shein reached peaks of up to 115 dB , levels unsuitable for children's hearing.
Costume jewelry: cadmium at exorbitant levels
The analysis of 54 metal necklaces revealed a serious warning: three of them—all purchased from Shein—contained cadmium concentrations up to 8.500 times higher than the legal limit set by the REACH regulation. This metal, classified as a carcinogen, poses a risk if the pendant is put in the mouth or comes into prolonged contact with the skin.
Although most pieces passed the heavy metal and nickel release tests, the cases that failed did so on a scale that highlights the need for stricter controls and more constant supervision of low-cost costume jewelry.
How the platforms reacted and what the DSA demands
After receiving formal notification as consumer organizations, Shein and Temu quickly removed the severely defective items, in accordance with their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act . In some cases, affected customers were even informed.
However, the OCU points out that when contacted as an ordinary consumer , the responses were more generic and less prompt. Shein added that the items came from independent sellers on its marketplace, that it activated global recall protocols, and that it commissioned counter-analyses in accredited laboratories to review discrepancies.
For its part, Temu maintains that it takes safety very seriously, that it immediately withdrew the products in question, and that it maintains a quality control and inspection system with the support of external laboratories, aimed at detecting and eliminating non-conforming items.
A market flooded with packages and a challenge for the EU
The volume of purchases explains the challenge: the European Commission estimates that around 4.600 billion parcels arrived in the EU from China in the past year, approximately 12 million per day. With that volume, customs surveillance and online monitoring require additional resources and coordination .
The OCU (Spanish Consumers' Organization) is calling on authorities to implement stricter border controls , active monitoring, and penalties to deter non-compliance. In addition to security concerns, it highlights the environmental impact of mass shipments and the competitive effect on companies that do comply with European regulations.
Recommendations for a wise purchase
Beyond isolated recalls, it is advisable to exercise extreme caution and prioritize trusted channels , especially in sensitive categories such as electronics, children's items, and products that come into contact with the skin.
- Choose traceable businesses and brandsand check the CE marking and instructions.
- For chargers and small electrical appliances, shop at official stores and be wary of unbelievable power figures and prices.
- For children under 3 years old, avoid toys with Small pieces, suction cups or easy-to-remove stickers.
- In costume jewelry, be suspicious of ridiculously low prices and unspecified materials; if irritation occurs, discontinue use of the item.
- Report dangerous products to the platform now consumer authorities to accelerate their withdrawal.
With the evidence provided by ICRT and OCU —overheating chargers , toys with loose parts and costume jewelry with restricted metals—, consumer safety is back in the spotlight: more public controls, a diligent response from marketplaces and informed purchasing decisions can reduce exposure to risks without giving up the convenience of online shopping.
