TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Control Yuan is set to investigate border rules that allow low-cost packages purchased via foreign e-commerce platforms to bypass inspection.
Control Yuan members Tien Chin-chin (田秋堇) and Tsai Chung-yi (蔡崇義) said Saturday the probe follows overseas safety concerns involving Shein. The China-based fast-fashion platform, accessible to consumers in Taiwan, has gained popularity in Europe and the US with rapidly updated trend items at ultra-low prices, according to CNA and CommonWealth Magazine.
Citing foreign reports, Tien and Tsai said about two-thirds of the sampled Shein clothing in Germany failed quality checks, with some items containing harmful substances. Tests also showed some children’s sandals exceeded limits for plasticizers, potentially posing health risks.
Shein has drawn scrutiny in other countries as well. The EU is monitoring the platform after items such as sexualized child-like dolls, weapons, and banned medications were found on its site in France, according to Le Monde.
The officials noted that cross-border online shopping by Taiwanese consumers has grown rapidly in recent years. Under current regulations, small parcels declared for personal use are exempt from inspection.
This may allow large volumes of low-cost, substandard products to enter the market unchecked, potentially endangering public health, the officials said. The planned investigation will examine whether the existing exemption mechanism should be revised and assess government efforts to educate consumers on product safety.
Analysts note that European and US consumers may be more struck by Shein’s low prices, whereas Taiwanese shoppers, accustomed to low-cost Chinese goods through platforms such as Taobao, are less affected. The platform mainly attracts highly price-sensitive consumers, drawing sales away from lower-priced brands, domestic e-commerce platforms, and wholesale markets.
