A children’s winter clothing product sold on a Chinese online platform was found to contain harmful substances exceeding domestic standards by 622 times.
On the 22nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that safety inspections were conducted on 26 winter fiber products for infants and children sold on platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. As a result, seven products were deemed non-compliant.
One type of children’s jacket sold by Temu was found to contain phthalate plasticizers exceeding the domestic standard by 622 times. Additionally, the decorative loops exceeded the domestic standard (7.5 cm), posing a safety concern and receiving a non-compliance judgment.
Phthalate plasticizers are endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive functions and irritate the eyes and skin upon contact.
Another product, a children’s jumpsuit, also showed phthalate plasticizers exceeding the domestic standard by about 294 times, and its pH level was 7.8, outside the domestic standard range (pH 4.0-7.5).
When the pH of fiber products exceeds the standard, it may cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
A pair of children’s shoes sold on AliExpress were found to contain lead exceeding the domestic standard by about five times.
A type of infant playsuit showed phthalate plasticizers exceeding the standard by 3.5 times, and overalls had lead levels up to 19.12 times above the domestic standard.
The lengths of decorative strings on an infant dress and shawl exceeded domestic standards, raising safety concerns. The infant shawl was also found to have 3D decorations at the ends of the decorative strings, resulting in a non-compliance verdict.
In Korea, the use of 3D decorations on children’s products is prohibited.
The city plans to continue safety inspections focusing on overseas platforms with many domestic users, considering periodic purchasing demand.
In December, inspections will cover decorations and children’s toys with increased demand during the Christmas season.
The safety inspection results can be checked on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website or the Seoul Electronic Commerce Center website.