A new Greenpeace report reveals chemicals exceeding EU limits in Shein clothing and shoes. Of 56 products tested from eight countries, 18 showed issues, including children's items. Shein has temporarily removed the affected articles from sale.
Greenpeace ordered a total of 56 clothing items and shoes from Shein between May and June 2025 in eight countries, including Germany, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, and Thailand. Most, 26 items, were purchased in Germany. The products included shoes, dresses, tops, and pajamas for adults as well as 17 items for children. According to the report, 18 of the 56 exceeded the limits of the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH. Of the 42 bought in the EU, one-third were affected, including children's clothing.
Concentrations were particularly high for softeners like phthalates, which in 14 products—10 from the EU—exceeded the limit by up to 200 times. Phthalates can disrupt the hormonal system and impair child growth. Seven outdoor jackets showed elevated PFAS levels, one by 3300 times; five were ordered in the EU. PFAS, so-called forever chemicals, accumulate in the environment and body and are suspected of being carcinogenic. They provide water, oil, and dirt repellency in outdoor clothing.
Notable was a child costume ordered in Germany, consisting of a dress with glittering bodice, blue-lilac tulle skirt, and blue tiara, strikingly similar to one from the 2022 investigation. That comparable costume failed due to formaldehyde above the limit, leading Shein to remove it. The current item exceeded the formaldehyde limit by 3.5 times. Formaldehyde can cause DNA damage, cancer, and irritations and is used for wrinkle-free clothing. The insole of a sandal from Germany contained more than double the allowed lead.
Compared to 2022, when 15 percent of tested Shein products exceeded limits, the share has more than doubled. Shein has grown strongly since: Revenue rose from 23 billion dollars in 2022 to 38 billion in 2024. On request from DER SPIEGEL, Shein stated it takes product safety seriously and collaborates with testing labs. The test results were not received in advance, but the items have been removed as a precaution. Some products remain available on other platforms.
Moritz Jäger-Roschko, Greenpeace expert for circular economy, commented: "Our results underscore: Shein's voluntary self-commitment is worthless." He calls for a strong Anti-Fast-Fashion law. France's Senate advanced such a law in the summer: Five euros fee per cheap product from Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, plus advertising ban. The EU plans a two-euro levy per package from third countries and abolition of the duty-free threshold under 150 euros, which could hinder direct shipping. In late October, Stiftung Warentest also found heavy metals in Temu and Shein offers.