Shein pulls dozens of garments after lab finds chemical limit breaches

Laboratory tests commissioned by the German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe at the Bremen Institute examined 18 clothing items sold by the fast‑fashion platform Shein. Seven of the samples violated European Union chemical safety limits, with a PFAS‑treated children’s jacket exceeding the permitted level by more than 1,100 times and a teenager’s jacket by over 12,000 times. A pair of women’s boots contained the plasticiser DEHP at 179 times the allowed concentration. Shein responded, saying, “We take the allegations very seriously” and announced that the affected products will be removed from its global catalogue while it conducts a comprehensive review of comparable items, working with standards bodies such as TÜV Süd. The investigation also referenced broader concerns about low‑price online retailers, noting a recent €200 million EU fine against competitor Temu for similar safety issues.