Shein and Temu ordered to recall several children’s footwear products from the market 

The MCCAA has ordered a total of five children’s footwear products to be recalled by online platforms Shein and Temu after tests revealed these products to be non-compliant to the REACH Regulation 1907/2006 due to the presence of chemicals that exceed the legal limits namely cadmium, lead, phthalates and paraffins. While phthalates are normally used as plasticizers to soften and increase the flexibility of these materials, paraffins are used as flame retardants while lead and cadmium in dyes and paints to give colour. However, the presence of these chemicals is restricted due to the potential harm to human health.

These tests were carried out at an accredited laboratory by the Technical Regulations Division within the MCCAA. A total of 10 children’s clothing and footwear products, namely printed T-shirts, matching sets, slippers, and rain boots, were tested.  It is to note that while no failures were detected for the clothing items, the same cannot be said for the footwear products as five out of the five slippers and rain boots tested, were found to be non-compliant to the applicable regulation. The list of the five recalled footwear products is found below.

Any Maltese consumers who have purchased the below products are to immediately refrain from using them while they should be contacted directly by the seller to arrange for a refund of the recalled product.

In case of any questions, consumers are requested to get in touch with the MCCAA by sending an email on [email protected].

Non-compliant products from Shein:

One pair of purple cartoon cute slippers for girls and babies, soft bottom and anti-slip for bathroom, home princess style, suitable for summer indoor and outdoor beach SKU: sa240327272798551

2024 Adorable cartoon happy dinosaur kids' waterproof anti-slip rain boots SKU: sk2407168999003070 

Children's slippers summer baby girls' boys' parent-child slip-resistant big kids outdoor beach sandals for toddlers and little kids SKU: sk2311148329089802

Non-compliant products from Temu:

Kids' Cartoon-Themed Slides - Soft PVC Sole, Non-Slip Indoor & Outdoor Sandals for Boys and Girls CN24-25(EU30) / Yellow Ref: 3658164051

Kids Cute Shark Cartoon Rain Boots - All-Season Waterproof High-Top Shoes with Warm Plush Lining for Boys, Daily & Casual Wear, Comfortable Anti-Slip Soft Sole PVC Wellington Boots

CN160(EU23) / Yellow Ref: 4837902518