U.S. safety regulator calls for probe of Temu, Shein over 'deadly baby and toddler products'

Two U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission members are urging the agency to probe safety practices of "foreign-owned" e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, specifically the alleged sale of "deadly baby and toddler products."

In a letter late Tuesday, CPSC Commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak said the agency should examine Temu and Shein's safety and compliance controls, relationships with third-party sellers and consumers and "any representations they make when products are imported."

"We seek to better understand these firms, particularly their focus on low-value direct-to-consumer — sometimes called de minimis — shipments and the enforcement challenges when firms with little or no U.S. presence distribute consumer products through these platforms," the commissioners wrote.

Last month, The Information reported Temu was offering padded crib bumpers, which are outlawed in the U.S. due to suffocation hazards, while Shein sells children's hoodies with drawstrings that regulators have said are a safety hazard.

A Shein spokesperson said in a statement that customer safety is a top priority and the company is investing millions of dollars to strengthen its compliance programs, including partnering with testing agencies to enhance its product safety practices.

A representative from Temu said in a statement that it requires all sellers on its site to comply with laws and regulations, including those related to product safety.

"Our interests are aligned with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in ensuring consumer protection and product safety, and we will cooperate fully with any investigation," the Temu spokesperson said.

Discount retailers Temu and Shein have exploded in popularity in the U.S. by