CEC study focuses on leading online marketplaces

A mystery shopping study conducted by the European Footwear Confederation (CEC) between February and May 2026 assessed the safety and regulatory compliance of footwear purchased via three major online platforms: Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The study covered seven European countries – the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom – and looked at footwear purchased directly from online sellers via e-commerce channels. The findings raise serious concerns about the compliance of products made available to European consumers through these platforms.

Over a third of the footwear failed to meet chemical compliance requirements: the tests covered various potentially hazardous substances, including phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, hexavalent chromium (chromium VI), nickel release, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). The findings confirm concerns already raised in other European industries about non-compliant products being placed on the market through cross‑border e‑commerce channels. The findings highlight the need for stronger enforcement of product safety and regulatory requirements across online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer imports.

Products sold to European consumers must be subject to the same safety and regulatory requirements, regardless of how they enter the market. Therefore, CEC once again calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to ensure effective enforcement of regulations and clear accountability across the e-commerce supply chain, including platforms that facilitate the sale of products that do not comply with EU requirements.