Can a fast-fashion giant teach traditional manufacturers about product safety commitment? Shein’s latest announcement suggests they’re taking compliance more seriously than ever.
This development will be particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, and marketplace sellers who compete with or supply to major online platforms. Understanding how market leaders like Shein are raising compliance standards can help you benchmark your own practices and prepare for evolving industry expectations.
A £12 million commitment to compliance
Shein has announced significant investments for 2025, allocating US$15 million specifically to compliance initiatives. The company plans to conduct 2.5 million product safety and quality tests within the year – a 25% increase from 2024 levels.
By May 2025, Shein will implement additional compliance measures. These include increased frequency of checks and verification of test reports, labels, and certifications. The company will pay particular attention to RoHS certification for EU markets and FCC certification for US markets, especially for sellers of high-voltage power electronic products.
Strategic partnerships with testing giants
Shein has expanded its partnerships with 15 internationally recognised testing agencies. These include major players like Bureau Veritas, Intertek, QIMA, SGS, and TÜV SÜD.
Joy Jia, Deputy Director of SGS China E-commerce Team, highlighted their long-standing relationship: “Shein is a long-term customer of SGS, and we have been working together since 2021 to strengthen the compliance control of Shein products. Our cooperation with Shein has been deepening year by year, covering quality testing of textiles, toys, and accessories.”
This partnership approach demonstrates how major retailers are leveraging established testing infrastructure to scale their compliance operations effectively.
Zero tolerance for non-compliance
Since launching its marketplace, Shein has terminated relationships with over 540 sellers who failed to meet compliance requirements. This firm stance shows the company is willing to sacrifice short-term revenue for long-term reputation protection.
Chris Pan, Shein’s global head of Compliance, emphasised the company’s commitment: “Product safety is not an empty promise made to our customers. It is a consistent and sustained effort by Shein, as a responsible global company.”
What this means for your business
Shein’s compliance push reflects broader market trends that affect all manufacturers and importers. Large platforms are raising standards, which creates ripple effects throughout supply chains.
If you supply to major online platforms, expect similar compliance demands. These might include more frequent testing, stricter documentation requirements, and zero-tolerance policies for non-compliance.
Traditional retailers are also watching how platforms handle compliance. Your customers may soon expect similar transparency and rigour in your own operations.
Staying ahead of the curve
The compliance landscape is shifting rapidly. What seemed adequate yesterday may not meet tomorrow’s standards. Consider how you can strengthen your own protocols before customers or regulators demand it.
Review your testing frequency and documentation practices. Establish relationships with recognised testing agencies before you need them urgently. Most importantly, view compliance as an investment in long-term competitiveness rather than just a cost centre.
The bigger picture
Shein’s announcement comes as regulators worldwide scrutinise online marketplaces more closely. The EU’s Digital Services Act and similar legislation in other regions are pushing platforms to take greater responsibility for products sold through their channels.
This regulatory pressure, combined with consumer awareness, is driving the compliance investments we’re seeing from major platforms. Companies that get ahead of these trends will find themselves better positioned when regulations tighten further.
Ready to strengthen your product compliance strategy? Our team at Alura Group can help you develop robust systems that meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your compliance journey.
Source: consumerelectronics