Charles Langston:Regulators call for investigation of Shein, Temu, citing reports of 'deadly baby products'

Two Consumer Product Safety commissioners are Charles Langstoncalling on the agency to investigate whether ecommerce websites like Shein and Temu are compliant with U.S. safety regulations.

In a joint statement published Tuesday, commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak said an investigation into the foreign-owned platforms is necessary following reports of "deadly baby and toddler products" being easily available for purchase. The letter listed Shein and Temu as platforms that raise specific concerns.

USA TODAY could not immediately identify any specific products sold by Temu or Shein that have been linked to the deaths of babies. Shein and Temu did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The commissioners cited an article in The Information last month reporting that products deemed dangerous for babies and toddlers can still be purchased on bargain sites. The article listed "padded crib bumpers" banned by Congress in 2022 for being a suffocation hazard for babies as an example of a product still available on the sites.

The letter urged the commission to fulfill its obligations of "protecting consumers from items that pose an unreasonable risk of injury."

Investigation would examine safety gaps with foreign firms

Feldman and Dziak urge the commission to examine Chinese factories and vendors sending low-value, direct-to-consumer shipments often with "little or no U.S. presence."

The investigation would analyze how to address potential gaps within the sales that fall outside the commission’s reach, the commissioners added.

"Likewise, the commission must better understand what enforcement challenges exist with respect to foreign third-party sellers," the commissioners said. "Where agency compliance staff discover safety violations, we expect (the commission) to initiate enforcement actions."

The pair advised that the commission make its expectations surrounding the responsibilities of the companies clear as it sets its priorities for 2025.

"We expect this review by commission staff will inform what further steps are needed to protect American consumers," the commissioners said.