A joint test by Belgian, German, and Danish consumer agencies found that 70% of 162 products from Temu and Shein failed to meet EU safety standards, raising red flags for overseas jewelry buyers sourcing from these platforms. The findings highlight critical risks in metal jewelry, including cadmium levels up to 8,500 times the legal limit, which could lead to supply-chain disruptions, recalls, and compliance scrutiny for importers and distributors.
Test results and jewelry-specific risks
Of the 162 products tested—81 from each platform—jewelry items were among the most dangerous. Five pieces, all from Shein, failed metal safety tests. Three contained cadmium levels exceeding EU limits by up to 8,500 times, while two others surpassed legal nickel limits. Cadmium is linked to cancer and genetic damage, and lead can cause irreversible neurological harm, especially in children.
Toys and chargers also fail
Toys were the worst category: over half failed mechanical tests due to choking hazards, sharp edges, or loud speakers. None of Shein's toys passed, and only one Temu toy was defect-free. USB chargers showed overheating and fragile casings. These failures underscore broader quality-control gaps across product categories.
Platform responses and recall gaps
Temu removed offending items and maintains a recall list of 110 products, about half being children's toys. Shein removed items but does not offer a public recall list. A Shein spokesperson stated that tested products were sold by independent third-party vendors and reaffirmed commitment to safety, but the company's hyper-fast-fashion model—releasing up to 4,000 new products weekly—makes compliance verification challenging.
What buyers should watch
Importers and distributors should verify that jewelry suppliers comply with EU nickel and cadmium limits, especially for metal findings and plated items. The surge in low-value parcels—4.6 billion shipments in 2024, 91% from China—means customs scrutiny is increasing. Buyers should request third-party test reports for heavy metals and ensure suppliers have robust recall procedures. Platforms like Temu and Shein may face tighter EU regulations, affecting sourcing reliability.
Compliance and logistics signals
The European Commission reported that parcels under €150 imported into the EU doubled from 2023 to 2024, reaching 4.6 billion shipments. This volume, combined with high failure rates, suggests regulators will intensify checks on low-cost imports. Jewelry buyers should prepare for potential delays at customs and invest in pre-shipment testing to avoid costly recalls and reputational damage.
Source: Read the original report | Published: October 31, 2025