Study finds hazardous chemicals in shoes sold by Temu and Shein across Europe
A European footwear study revealed that many shoes sold on Temu and Shein contain chemicals that breach EU safety limits, while AliExpress samples complied.
A coordinated investigation by the European Confederation of Footwear tested 76 shoe pairs purchased from Temu, Shein and AliExpress in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Laboratory analysis identified the presence of restricted substances—phthalates, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and short-chain chlorinated paraffins—in a significant share of the footwear, breaching EU limits.
Thirteen of the Shein shoes and fourteen of the Temu shoes failed to meet the chemical safety thresholds, while none of the AliExpress samples showed violations. Additional testing of ten protective-footwear models found eight lacking in at least one safety requirement, such as slip resistance, puncture protection, impact resistance, or proper CE marking. The findings raise concerns about market oversight for online-sold products entering the European Union.
Why it matters
Consumers may be exposed to unsafe chemicals and inadequate protection from shoes bought on popular e-commerce platforms.
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