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Texas Opens Probe Into Shein Over Labor, Product Safety and Data Practices

The state inquiry follows European actions that flagged illegal items, raising broader questions about product safety.

Overview

  • Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office is investigating Shein US Services LLC and affiliates for potential violations of Texas law tied to unethical labor practices and unsafe products.
  • Investigators will examine whether the retailer used toxic or hazardous materials and whether it misled shoppers about product safety and ethical sourcing.
  • The inquiry also targets the company’s data collection and privacy practices to assess potential risks to U.S. consumers.
  • Pressure has mounted after France’s consumer fraud agency found childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons on Shein’s platform, with the European Commission requesting information; Shein says it banned the dolls globally.
  • Shein told Texas Public Radio it is aware of the investigation and welcomes engagement, as the Singapore‑headquartered retailer with extensive sourcing in China reported more than $30 billion in 2023 revenue.