The Textile Shoes Leather Goods Trade Association (BTE) is calling on the federal government and the EU to take decisive action against Asian online platforms such as Temu and Shein. From the association’s perspective, the background is massive distortions of competition caused by providers from third countries who circumvent European product, environmental and consumer protection standards. While the stationary fashion trade in this country is already under pressure from consumer restraint, high energy prices and increasing bureaucracy, companies that operate in accordance with the rules are being put at an additional disadvantage by the unfair competition from the Far East.
The BTE refers to numerous studies that repeatedly demonstrate problematic products on the platforms. An analysis by the Bremen Environmental Institute showed that 25 of 31 textile products tested exceeded the limit values of the EU chemicals regulation REACH. Other tests had also previously identified poor product quality. The association criticizes the fact that platform operators often only react and remove objectionable articles after public pressure. However, this approach cannot guarantee reliable consumer, health and environmental protection.
This criticism also receives support from environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, which commissioned the study described above. Limit values that were exceeded were found, among other things, for plasticizers (phthalates) and PFAS chemicals. Some of these were identical or very similar products that, according to previous tests, should actually be taken off the market. Greenpeace accuses the companies of ignoring warnings and continuing to offer products that violate EU rules and potentially pose health and environmental risks.
The EU Commission called for faster implementation of the measures
The EU Commission is also increasingly taking action against online platforms such as Shein and Temu. In February 2026, it initiated formal proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Among other things, it is being examined whether the platform takes sufficient action against illegal products. Proceedings under the DSA have also been ongoing against Temu since October 2024: In 2025, the Commission came to the preliminary assessment that the platform had not adequately assessed the risks of illegal or non-compliant products on its marketplace. If the allegations are confirmed, both companies could face fines of up to six percent of global annual sales as well as further regulatory measures.
Against this background, the BTE welcomes the proceedings initiated by the European Commission against Shein on the basis of the Digital Services Act. What is crucial, however, is consistent market monitoring and the closing of existing regulatory and enforcement gaps – for example through stricter import controls and the rapid abolition of the 150 euro duty-free limit. This is the only way to create a fair competitive environment for retailers, manufacturers and platforms.