Shein and Temu face growing calls in US for investigations over labour and design theft allegations

Online retail giants Shein and Temu are facing mounting pressure in the United States as senior politicians call for formal investigations into allegations ranging from forced labour to intellectual property theft. The scrutiny marks a new chapter in the ongoing debate over fast fashion, consumer safety, and the influence of high-volume e-commerce platforms with ties to China.

In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened a state-level probe into Shein following reports alleging the use of forced labour and unsafe materials in the company’s supply chain. Paxton said his office is examining whether the retailer has violated Texas law by allegedly using hazardous materials, misleading consumers about ethical sourcing, and engaging in deceptive marketing practices. The investigation will also review Shein’s data collection methods.

At the national level, Senator Tom Cotton has urged the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to pursue a federal investigation into both Shein and Temu. In a letter addressed to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Cotton argued that the two platforms have been able to flood the American market with inexpensive goods while sidestepping tariffs and rigorous customs checks. He said the recent changes to low cost shipment rules give authorities an opportunity to take stronger action.

Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and a close ally of Donald Trump, accused Shein of copying designs from American creators and selling them at much lower prices only days after their release. He also claimed that Temu offers sophisticated counterfeit goods across its marketplace, pointing to a US investigation that found a significant percentage of items purchased from the platform were likely fake.

Shein, which is headquartered in Singapore but manufactures most of its products in China, said it takes concerns about its business practices seriously and would cooperate with Paxton’s investigation. The company did not comment directly on Cotton’s request for a federal probe. Temu has not responded publicly to the allegations.

Paxton’s investigation comes at a time when Shein faces growing international scrutiny. In Europe, authorities have pressed the retailer to remove certain controversial products from its third party marketplace, including childlike sex dolls and weapons after they were flagged by French regulators. Temu is also under investigation in France for allegedly allowing harmful content to reach young users.

Paxton has taken similar action against other digital platforms. In November, he filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the gaming company of failing to protect minors and misleading parents about online safety risks. Roblox rejected the claims and said the lawsuit misrepresents the nature of its platform.

As both Shein and Temu continue to expand their footprints in global markets, the latest calls for investigations highlight broader concerns about supply chain transparency, consumer protection and the responsibilities of fast growing online marketplaces.