The company is headquartered in Singapore but sources most of its products from China, where it has several thousand suppliers
[NEW YORK] Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Monday (Dec 1) that he is investigating Shein to determine whether the fast fashion retailer violated state law related to unethical labour practices and the sale of unsafe consumer products.
Paxton’s investigation increases pressure on Shein, which was embroiled in scandal last month after France’s consumer fraud agency found childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons available for sale on the China-founded retailer’s online platform.
Shein did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Paxton said that his probe will focus on whether Shein violated state law by using toxic or hazardous materials or misleading consumers about product safety and ethical sourcing.
The probe will also examine Shein’s data collection and privacy practices, Paxton added.
France has sought to suspend Shein in that country for three months, and the European Commission (EC) has requested information from the company to determine whether it posed a “systemic risk” to European consumers.
Shein has said that it banned sales of the sex dolls globally, and was cooperating with the EC request.
The company is headquartered in Singapore but sources most of its products from China, where it has several thousand suppliers.
Paxton is running for the US Senate in 2026, and is expected to face incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
The attorney general has this year investigated or sued several well-known companies over their marketing practices, including Procter & Gamble, Bristol Myers Squibb and Tylenol maker Kenvue. REUTERS
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
