The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) has uncovered alarming safety issues in products sold on popular Chinese platforms AliExpress, Temu, and Shein. Their investigation, focused on essential oils and pet care items, revealed that a startling 75.5% of tested items failed to meet Korea’s safety standards, shedding light on serious regulatory gaps.
In an extensive report, KCA tested 19 essential oils marketed for cosmetic or home fragrance purposes. In Korea, essential oils are regulated as cosmetics if they’re applied to skin, and as household chemicals if used as air fresheners. Shockingly, 89.5% of the tested oils contained allergenic substances like Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), linalool, and limonene. Yet, none of these allergens were listed on product labels, leaving consumers unaware of potential health risks. Furthermore, two products contained banned substances—CMIT and MIT—linked to skin and respiratory irritation. Some products even carried misleading marketing, such as one item from Shein advertised as a bath oil despite being marked unsuitable for skin.
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KCA’s investigation didn’t stop there. Pet care items, including shampoos, conditioners, and wet wipes, were also scrutinized. Out of 30 pet products, 66.7% were flagged for containing hazardous substances or excessive levels of microorganisms. Pet shampoos, in particular, failed inspections at a rate of 80%, with concerning formaldehyde content in half of the products. Moreover, 40% of these shampoos and 30% of pet wipes contained high levels of CMIT/MIT mixtures.
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Upon receiving KCA’s report, AliExpress, Temu, and Shein have reportedly agreed to remove the hazardous products, working in tandem with the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) to block future listings of unsafe items. Moving forward, KCA and the FTC plan to maintain vigilant oversight on international purchases, aiming to protect consumers from potential hazards hidden in overseas products.
For buyers, the proactive response by KCA and the compliance shown by these platforms suggest a hopeful turn. This increased scrutiny means a safer shopping experience may soon be on the horizon, giving consumers peace of mind as they navigate the global marketplace.
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