Temu and Shein have launched efforts to reassure consumers about their quality assurance programs after shoppers and retail followers have expressed concerns about the safety and quality of products offered on the China-based discount e-commerce platforms.
Temu has announced what it characterized as a significant expansion of the company’s quality assurance program. According to the company, Temu is doing more product checks through deepened collaborations with globally leading testing and compliance companies, including TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, SGS and Bureau Veritas.
Temu stated it intends to ensure the highest levels of product safety and compliance across its platform, reinforcing its dedication to consumer trust and safety.
Temu asserted it’s quality assurance system is multifaceted and includes the following:
- Rigorous Seller Vetting. Sellers undergo stringent onboarding processes to verify their commitment to safety and quality.
- Algorithmic and Manual Screening. Products are continuously monitored using advanced technology and manual inspection.
- Spot Checks and Enforcement. Regular inspections and swift actions, including product removal and penalties, support adherence to standards.
- Consumer Protection Measures. A notice-and-takedown process addresses potential violations quickly.
Shein, meanwhile, reported it is conducting more than two million product safety tests in 2024 to underscore its commitment to ensuring high standards in product quality and consumer safety. The company conducted tests in collaboration with leading testing agencies such as Intertek, SGS, Bureau Veritas and TÜV, as well as at a laboratory that met the standards set by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment.
Elements incorporated into the Shein quality assurance system, according to the company, include the following:
- Standards and Policies. Shein requires vendors to comply with the applicable product safety laws and regulations in its countries of operation, as well as the controls and standards that the company has put in place, such as a restricted substances list and codes of conduct.
- Documentation and Certification Review. Vendors must submit documentation for products from categories such as electronics, children’s toys, children’s products, baby products, cosmetics, medical devices, light industry products, personal protective equipment and textiles with specific regulatory requirements, with Shein providing comprehensive education and training for suppliers to continually improve their understanding of product compliance requirements.
- Monitoring and Testing. Product safety tests, including chemical tests, are carried out throughout the sales cycle in collaboration with leading third-party testing agencies.
- Dynamic Evaluations. Shein conducts dynamic vendor evaluations based on standards such as product testing pass rates and negative feedback rates, which can result in a supplier being declared non-compliant or in violation of company requirements.
Shein indicated it takes measures against non-compliant vendors, which can include removing product listing, assessing vendor point deductions, putting in place reorder restrictions or even termination of the relationship, depending on the severity of the case. Upon learning of any claim against an item, Shein immediately removes the product as a precautionary measure while investigating the allegation, the company insisted, adding that it terminated relationships with more than 260 sellers on its marketplace over the past year for not meeting compliance requirements.
To further allay consumer concerns, Shein stated it appointed Mustan Lalani head of Global Sustainability as the company moves to address environmental challenges as part of the evoluSHEIN roadmap, Shein’s strategy for addressing social and environmental issues.
Under its sustainability strategy, Shein has developed a polyester recycling process that accepts a wider range of feedstock materials. The first facility that will employ the recycling process will begin large-scale operations in June 2025, the company noted.
