By Peter
Fast-fashion leaders Shein and Temu are under growing scrutiny in the United States as senior politicians push for federal and state investigations. The probes target alleged forced labor, intellectual property theft, and the sale of unsafe products on their platforms.
In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a formal investigation into Shein, echoing similar actions taken against the brand in multiple European countries. Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton has called for a national probe into both Shein and Temu, labeling the platforms as “Communist Chinese” and accusing them of widespread IP violations that have harmed American businesses.
Shein, headquartered in Singapore but primarily producing goods in China, has pledged to cooperate with Paxton’s inquiry. The company stated it “welcomes constructive engagement” but has not directly addressed Cotton’s calls for a federal investigation.
Senator Cotton highlighted that millions of Chinese shipments are now held in US warehouses following changes to low-cost import rules, after President Trump abolished the longstanding de minimis rule. These updates subject imports to tariffs and stricter customs oversight, creating an opportunity for regulatory action.
Small American designers have accused Shein of rapidly copying original fashion designs and selling them at discounted prices, while Temu is accused of offering deceptive and counterfeit products to its millions of users. U.S. investigations suggest a significant portion of items purchased on both platforms may be counterfeit.
Paxton also raised concerns about Shein’s reliance on forced labor, the use of hazardous materials, deceptive marketing practices, and the environmental impact of its fast-fashion operations. His probe will evaluate potential violations of Texas law, including whether Shein misled consumers about ethical sourcing and its data collection practices.
“I will not allow cheap, dangerous foreign goods to flood America and jeopardize our health,” Paxton said online.
The scrutiny extends beyond the US. In France, Shein faces pressure to remove childlike sex dolls and weapons from its third-party marketplace, while Temu is under investigation for distributing harmful content accessible to minors.
Shein is not the only target of Paxton and Cotton. Both have previously pursued cases against platforms like Roblox, citing safety violations and deceptive practices affecting children.
As scrutiny grows on fast-fashion giants, Shein and Temu must navigate mounting regulatory pressure over labor practices, counterfeit products, and consumer safety, signaling a major shift in how global e-commerce is po
