European consumers oppose Shein: they accuse the platform of "deceptive practices."

BarcelonaEuropean consumers are appealing against Shein for its "deceptive techniques." Twenty-five associations from 21 countries, grouped under the umbrella of the European Consumer Organization (BEUC), have filed a complaint with the European Commission seeking to intervene against the "illegal practices" of the Chinese fast-fashion giant, which offers all kinds of clothing at certain prices.

According to They say in a statement, and according to "new research" by BEUC members, the company causes "unintentional spending and economic losses for consumers" and fuels "environmental and social problems caused by the food industry." fast fashion"All of this is based on "highly persuasive" and "manipulative" techniques that "distance citizens from a responsible consumption model."

"Shein's use of dark patterns is a well-documented reality that has been going on for several years [...]. They cause consumers to spend more and more money on fast fashion products, which are harmful to themselves, the environment, and the people who produce them," says BEUC CEO Agustín Reyna.

The associations demand that Shein stop "playing with consumers' emotions" with techniques such as "scroll infinite" and that proves that the repeated messages warning of low stock of certain products are real. "Otherwise, we ask that these practices be stopped," they state. And they add: "If Shein does not rectify, the [European] authorities should intervene to prevent the danger of serious harm to."

Last week, the European Commission accused Shein of violating European consumer law by pressuring consumers and gave the platform one month to take action.

The Chinese company ofultrafast fashion has responded with a statement: "European consumers would be better served if BEUC agreed to meet with us, allow us to explain our operations, and transparently and openly discuss any concerns they may have," it said. The Asian multinational regrets that the entity has rejected "each and every one" of its "numerous meeting requests over the past few years."

"We are already engaging constructively with state consumer protection authorities and the European Commission to demonstrate our commitment to compliance with EU laws and regulations, and we remain actively engaged in this process to address any concerns," Shein said in the statement.