Testing conducted by German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest has revealed safety issues in some children’s toys sold by the online retail giant Temu.
The investigation covered over 160 products, including toys, necklaces, and USB chargers purchased from both Temu and Shein. Results indicated that more than two-thirds of the items tested fail to meet the European Union’s safety standards, raising serious concerns about product safety for consumers.
The cloth wipes from a Temu toy wipes box were found to have elevated levels of formaldehyde. Although formaldehyde is allowed in small amounts, excessive concentrations can lead to contact allergies.
The toys tested for children under three years old, including teething rings, rattles, and bath toys, displayed some minor issues, such as the absence of a CE mark. More serious concerns involved several toys containing small parts, stickers, or suction cups that could easily detach and be swallowed, creating a choking hazard.
Four squeaky balls from a Shein ball set were found to be excessively loud, with measured peak volumes reaching nearly 115 decibels, exceeding the allowed limit of 110 decibels.
Meanwhile, 52 of the 54 power adapters tested did not comply with EU safety standards for electrical components and circuits, nor with the durability requirements for chargers.
10 out of 27 units bought from Shein overheated during normal use, reaching temperatures of up to about 88 degrees Celsius, which is above the EU’s maximum allowed limit of 77 degrees Celsius.
Four Temu devices showed the same electrical safety problem.
54 metal necklaces were also tested: 49 complied with pollutant standards, while 5 were found to contain dangerously high levels of harmful substances. After testing the levels of toxic heavy metals cadmium and lead in all metal parts of the necklaces, as well as measuring nickel release, it was found that lead levels were within safe limits, but two necklaces released nickel at levels exceeding safety standards.
“We discovered dangerously high levels of cadmium in three necklaces from Shein – the pollutant was always found in the pendants, with one cherry pendant, for example, showing a particularly high concentration. Cadmium is classified as carcinogenic and can cause bone and kidney damage. The EU’s permitted limit for cadmium in jewellery is 0.01% of the piece’s weight. We found more than 85% in two of the Shein necklaces – that’s 8,500 times the limit. The third necklace didn’t exceed the limit as drastically, but was still significantly contaminated: it contained ten times the amount of cadmium allowed in the EU,” the study read.
“If you have purchased any of the jewellery pieces heavily contaminated with cadmium, dispose of it. Important: Toxic substances do not belong in household waste; take the jewellery to a hazardous waste collection point, such as a recycling center. Keep necklaces away from children, especially small children, as they could swallow the pendant.”
The organisation formally informed Temu and Shein in writing about the products with serious defects. Both companies responded promptly, removing all the problematic items from their platforms within a few days.
“We take product safety very seriously. Regarding the products in question, we have swiftly removed them and notified the respective sellers,” Temu said in a statement.
“Temu has a comprehensive quality control system in place to prevent, detect, and remove non-compliant products, including conducting physical inspections. We also work with top independent testing organisations to make sure products sold on Temu meet required standards.”
“We remain committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience for all and to full compliance with EU product safety regulations.”