CPSC Probes Safety Compliance of Shein and Temu Amid Sales of Hazardous Products

Two CPSC leaders urge investigation into Shein and Temu for selling dangerous baby and toddler products. The inquiry will assess compliance with safety rules, especially concerning de minimis exemptions. Both companies assert commitment to rigorous safety standards and are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Two commissioners from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) are pressing for a thorough probe into e-commerce giants Shein and Temu. They call for an investigation following the sales of hazardous baby and toddler products on both platforms, according to a letter on the CPSC website.

Shein, headquartered in Singapore, and Temu, owned by China's PDD Group, are under scrutiny for their compliance with U.S. safety regulations and the use of the de minimis rule. This rule exempts packages valued at $800 or less from tariffs, provided they are shipped directly to consumers. Shein claims to be investing millions into enhancing its compliance programs, including a recent pledge of $50 million.

Temu has indicated its willingness to fully cooperate with any CPSC investigations. Critics argue that the de minimis rule has contributed to the companies' success in the U.S. market by allowing them to offer low prices but has raised concerns about product quality. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed eliminating the de minimis exemption to improve oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)