Khaberni - A new report issued by Greenpeace in Germany has revealed a new health and environmental scandal involving the Chinese e-commerce giant SHEIN. It was found that 18 out of 56 pieces of clothing analyzed in a laboratory contain hazardous chemicals exceeding the legal limits allowed in the European Union significantly.
The discovered materials include phthalates (plasticizers) and PFAS compounds known as "forever chemicals," which are scientifically linked to increased risks of cancer, fertility and reproductive disorders, and weakened immune systems, especially in children.
This is not the first scandal; in 2022, similar charges were made against the company. In May 2024, the European Union included SHEIN in the list of major digital platforms subject to strict supervision under the Digital Services Act to protect consumers, especially minors.
In a related context, the South Korean government last year announced the discovery of children's shoes from SHEIN containing phthalate levels up to 428 times the allowed limit. About half of the inspected products (clothing, shoes, and accessories) contained banned chemicals or exceeded legal limits.
The company's response was cold and routine. In a statement relayed by Agence France-Presse, it confirmed that it "will remove products that are found to exceed standards as a precautionary measure," without announcing radical changes in the supply chain or the ultra-fast fashion production model it adopts.
Environmental and health experts warn that these materials endanger not only consumer health but also seep into the environment and accumulate in rivers, soil, and the food chain for decades, making the crisis a transboundary health and environmental crime.
In the face of this recurring scandal, calls are growing for permanent international oversight of giant e-commerce companies and accountability for those who prioritize quick profits at the expense of the health of millions, especially children and the most vulnerable.
