Seoul Urges Temu, AliExpress to Pull Unsafe Kids’ Products

The Seoul city government has called on global e-commerce giants Temu and AliExpress to immediately suspend sales of certain children’s products after a recent safety inspection revealed dangerously high levels of toxic substances. This move highlights growing international concerns about product safety on fast-growing online platforms and the risks posed to young consumers.

What Sparked the Action?

South Korean authorities recently inspected 35 children’s products sold on Temu and AliExpress—including umbrellas, raincoats, and rain boots—popular for their affordability and trendy designs. The results were alarming: 11 of these items failed to meet South Korea’s safety standards, with several containing hazardous chemicals at levels far above what is legally allowed.

• Phthalate-based plasticisers, chemicals used to make plastics flexible, were found in six umbrellas at up to 443.5 times the permitted limit.
• Lead, a known neurotoxin, was detected in two products at up to 27.7 times the safe threshold.

Why Are These Chemicals Dangerous?

Phthalates are linked to endocrine disorders and can disrupt hormone function, especially in children. Lead exposure is even more serious, with the potential to impair reproductive health, hinder child development, and increase the risk of cancer. Prolonged exposure to these substances can have lasting, sometimes irreversible, health effects on children.

What Did Seoul Do Next?

In response, the Seoul city government formally requested that Temu and AliExpress suspend sales of all non-compliant children’s products. The city emphasized that “prolonged exposure to harmful substances can affect children’s growth and health,” and urged parents to carefully review product details before making purchases.

However, Seoul authorities clarified that these platforms are not legally required to comply with the city’s request, as current regulations do not mandate overseas e-commerce sites to follow local product safety laws. This regulatory gap is a growing concern as cross-border online shopping surges in popularity.

How Did Temu and AliExpress Respond?

Temu responded promptly, stating it had “immediately initiated an internal review” and was “in the process of removing the said items” from its platform. The company also said it is working to strengthen its quality control systems to prevent, detect, and remove non-compliant products in the future.

AliExpress, on the other hand, did not provide an immediate response to the city’s inquiry.

Rising Scrutiny of Chinese E-Commerce Platforms

Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress have seen explosive growth worldwide, offering ultra-low-cost goods and rapidly gaining market share. Their popularity, however, has brought increased scrutiny from regulators in many countries, particularly regarding product safety and consumer protection.

Last year, Seoul authorities found that women’s accessories sold by Shein, AliExpress, and Temu also contained toxic substances at levels hundreds of times above safe limits. The European Union has since placed Shein under stricter safety regulations to better protect consumers, especially minors.

What’s Next for Product Safety?

South Korea is taking steps to address these concerns. In May 2024, the government signed a voluntary agreement with AliExpress and Temu to promote product safety and strengthen monitoring of harmful products sold online. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) is also pushing for a new Consumer Safety Act that would make such compliance legally binding for overseas platforms.

Meanwhile, the number of South Korean shoppers using AliExpress and Temu has soared, surpassing domestic rivals. As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, experts stress the importance of vigilant regulation and consumer awareness to ensure that safety standards are not compromised.

Seoul’s call for Temu and AliExpress to pull unsafe children’s products is a wake-up call for global e-commerce. As online shopping becomes more international, ensuring the safety of products for the most vulnerable consumers—children—must remain a top priority. For now, parents are urged to check product information carefully, while regulators and platforms work to close the gaps in consumer protection.