Shein has taken down products identified by South Korean authorities as containing high levels of toxic substances. The Singapore Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) confirmed that these tainted items have also been removed from Shein’s online catalog as investigations continue.

In South Korea, authorities discovered toxic substances, including phthalates, in several children’s products, such as shoes and leather bags sold by Shein. Reports indicated that some of these products contained phthalates at levels hundreds of times above acceptable limits.

CPSO, which ensures consumer product safety in Singapore, stated that it has not received any consumer complaints regarding Shein’s products. The agency is coordinating with Shein and South Korean regulators to address the safety concerns raised.

Consumers in Singapore are advised to reach out to Shein for clarifications or follow-up actions regarding their recent purchases. A representative from Shein indicated that the company would take appropriate action against suppliers if safety violations are confirmed. Shein collaborates with international testing agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards, having conducted over 400,000 chemical safety tests in the past year.

The Seoul inspections revealed alarming results, with one pair of shoes showing phthalate levels 428 times higher than permitted, and three bags containing amounts as high as 153 times the acceptable limit. Phthalates, commonly used to soften plastics, have long been associated with various health issues, including hormone disruption and increased risks of obesity, heart disease, cancers, and fertility problems.

The CPSO routinely monitors the market and the safety of consumer goods, relying on information from consumers, suppliers, and other regulatory authorities. Under Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations, suppliers must ensure that products sold comply with international safety standards. Non-compliant products cannot be sold, and violations may result in fines of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.