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The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is intensifying its scrutiny of popular e-commerce platforms Shein and Temu, following growing concerns over the sale of dangerous baby and toddler products.
CPSC Commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak are calling for an urgent investigation into the safety measures and compliance practices of these foreign-owned companies, according to CNBC.
CPSC Calls for Urgent Probe Into Shein and Temu
In a letter sent on Tuesday (September 3), Feldman and Dziak emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Shein and Temu's operations, including their relationships with third-party sellers, the safety of their products, and the claims they make regarding imported products.
The commissioners highlighted the challenges in enforcing US regulations when companies with little or no physical presence in the country distribute products through online platforms.
Reports have surfaced that some items sold on these platforms, such as padded crib bumpers and children's hoodies with drawstrings, pose significant safety risks.
Padded crib bumpers are banned in the US due to the risk of suffocation, while drawstrings on children's clothing have been linked to strangulation hazards. These findings have sparked widespread concern and prompted the call for regulatory action.
A spokesperson for Shein responded to the allegations by stressing that customer safety is a top priority for the company. They noted that Shein has made substantial investments in enhancing its compliance programs, including working closely with testing agencies to ensure product safety.
Similarly, a representative from Temu emphasized that all sellers on their platform are expected to adhere strictly to safety regulations. They also expressed the company's willingness to cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by the CPSC.
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Shein and Temu's Rapid Growth in the US
Shein and Temu have become increasingly popular in the US, attracting millions of customers with their low-cost products sourced directly from manufacturers in China. Shein, which entered the US market in 2017, has grown rapidly through aggressive online marketing, with an estimated valuation of $66 billion.
CPSC officials are seeking additional funding to hire more staff to monitor the safety practices of emerging e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.
The growing popularity of these platforms has also caught the attention of lawmakers. A congressional commission report published in April raised concerns about the safety of products sold on these sites, as well as issues related to forced labor and the exploitation of trade loopholes.
Shein and Temu have faced various legal challenges due to safety concerns. Shein has been involved in several controversies, including the discovery of hormone-disrupting chemicals in its products by South Korean authorities and allegations of child labor in its supply chain.
Temu, meanwhile, is facing a lawsuit from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, who accuses the company of deceptive trade practices and data theft. Griffin claims that the Temu app functions as spyware, allowing it to access users' phones and collect data without their consent, Fast Company reported.
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