The US state of Texas has opened an investigation into China-founded e-commerce firm Shein over possible violations of state regulations on labor practices and consumer safety.
The state attorney general said the probe would focus on whether Shein, based in Singapore, violated state law by using toxic or hazardous materials, or if it misled customers about product safety or ethical sourcing.
The investigation will also look at Shein’s data protection and privacy practices, the attorney general’s office said.
Consumer safety
France is seeking to ban Shein from the country for three months after sex dolls with child-like characteristics and banned weapons were found for sale on the platform.
Shein has already suspended its third-party marketplace sales in France over the scandal, but the company’s platform over which it sells its own-brand products remains accessible.
The French government began its procedure last month on the day Shein opened its first-ever physical shop in Paris’ BHV department store.
Multiple investigations
France’s consumer protection agency DGCCRF has been investigating AliExpress and Joom over the sale of inappropriate materials, while it accused Wish, Temu and Amazon of failing to protect under-age shoppers from adult content.
The French government has asked the European Commission to open a formal investigation into Shein over illicit products including weapons.
