Asian fashion group
Customers are deceived: EU is going against Shein
Artificial discounts and violations in the right of exchange: From the perspective of the EU authorities, the online retailer has to improve Shein properly. What could change for customers?
The Asian shopping portal Shein has to improve consumer protection due to violations of EU regulations. The fashion retailer is misleading with lack of or misleading information, the EU Commission and the Network of the European Consumer Protection Authorities (CPC network) announced. Shein must now present suggestions for improvement within one month to avoid possible punishments.
The fashion group, founded in China and is now based in Singapore, is both a manufacturer, dealer and marketplace. Shein offers low prices, but is criticized, among other things, because of the product quality and unfair competitive conditions.
What do the authorities accuse Shein?
The authorities give several procedures as examples: For example, Shein indicate discounts that would not go back to the original price of the products. In addition, pressure is exerted on consumers by giving them artificial purchase periods. Shein also provided false information about the sustainability of the products.
In the event of problems and conflicts, there are no easily accessible contacts. The authorities also criticized the handling of the right of exchange. So Shein does not provide enough information about this and do not process returns according to the EU regulations.
Shein: “constructive” collaboration with the authorities
Shein did not respond to the individual allegations in a statement, but referred to a “constructive” cooperation with the EU authorities. The group wants to show that they are committed to complying with EU law. “We will continue to participate in this process to address any concerns,” said a spokesman for the German Press Agency.
EU authorities also proceed against Temu
The EU authorities continue to expand their action against Asian mail order companies. The EU Commission and the CPC Netz as early as November requested the Chinese online marketplace Temu due to similar legal violations. In the same month, the investigation against Shein had also been initiated.
In addition, there are considerations in the EU for packages from third countries to raise a flat rate of up to two euros in the future. Among other things, “increased surveillance costs” could be covered, as can be seen from a paper of the EU Commission. Last year, around twelve million packages arrived in the EU every day – significantly more than in the two previous years.
dpa
Source: Stern
