Seoul Finds Children's Products on Temu and AliExpress Contain Toxins Up to 622 Times Legal Limit

When parents in Seoul picked up a $3 winter hat from AliExpress last December, they had no idea it contained phthalate plasticizers at 203 times South Korea’s legal limit. That’s not an anomaly—it’s part of a pattern. On November 27, 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed that eight of 24 children’s winter items tested from Temu, AliExpress, and Shein violated Korea’s safety standards. One hair comb had phthalates 3.5 times over limit. A magic water book? Sharp springs sticking out like tiny daggers. And then there was the jacket—sold on Temu—with phthalates soaring to 622 times the allowable level. This isn’t just a regulatory hiccup. It’s a systemic failure with real consequences for children’s health.

Repeated Violations Across Seasons

The November 2025 findings didn’t come out of nowhere. They’re the latest chapter in a year-long crackdown that began in August 2024. In June 2025, Seoul tested 35 rain gear items and found six umbrellas with phthalates up to 443.5 times over limit. Two items had lead levels 27.7 times higher than allowed. By May 2025, inspectors turned their attention to summer wear—and found even more alarming numbers. Four pairs of AliExpress shoes had lead concentrations 25 times the legal threshold. One shirt from AliExpress contained nonylphenol, a hormone-disrupting chemical, at 1.3 times the limit. pH levels in clothing were off the charts too: a Temu top registered 7.8, while Seoul’s legal range is 4 to 7.5. That’s like serving lemon juice to a baby’s skin.

What’s at Stake for Kids?

These aren’t abstract numbers. Phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption, early puberty, and developmental delays. Lead exposure—even in tiny amounts—can damage brain development, lower IQ, and increase cancer risk over time. Nonylphenol interferes with estrogen, potentially affecting fertility later in life. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been blunt: prolonged contact with these substances, especially through items worn daily like hats, scarves, and shoes, poses direct threats to growing bodies. "These are products that touch the skin for hours," said Kim Tae-hee, an official in the city’s consumer safety division. "We’re not talking about a toy left in a drawer. We’re talking about what children wear to school, to bed, to the playground."

Platforms Respond—But Are They Doing Enough?

When pressed, both Temu and AliExpress claim to act. Temu told AFP it "immediately initiated an internal review" and was removing flagged items. In a 2024 response to Business Insider, Temu claimed two of the seven toxic products mentioned had already been pulled before the report. AliExpress confirmed it cooperated with removal requests. But here’s the catch: neither platform is legally obligated to comply with Seoul’s demands. South Korea’s consumer safety laws apply to sellers within its borders—not foreign-based marketplaces. So while Seoul can demand removals, it can’t fine or shut them down. The platforms operate in a legal gray zone: they profit from sales, but claim they’re just "marketplaces," not manufacturers.

Shein Stands Out—But Why?

Interestingly, Shein has consistently passed inspections since 2024. In the May 2025 summer round, all 24 Shein items tested within legal limits. In August 2025, when 33 swimwear and water toys were checked, Shein again cleared every test. That’s not luck. Experts believe Shein’s vertical supply chain—owning factories, controlling dyeing and finishing processes—gives it tighter quality control than Temu or AliExpress, which rely on thousands of third-party sellers. "Shein invests in compliance because it’s building a global brand," said one Seoul-based consumer safety analyst. "Temu and AliExpress are betting on volume. They’re selling cheap, fast, and hoping no one looks too closely."

What’s Next for Seoul—and Parents?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has pledged to continue weekly inspections, expanding to seasonal categories like back-to-school gear and holiday toys. They’re also pushing for international cooperation, urging the European Union and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to share data on similar violations. For parents, the message is clear: don’t assume low price means low risk. Check labels. Look for the Korean Safety Mark (KS Mark). Avoid items with strong chemical smells. And when in doubt, buy from local retailers—even if it costs more. A $20 coat from a Korean brand might save you from a $3 hazard.

Behind the Numbers: A Timeline of Failures

• August 2024: 144 products tested; multiple failures across all three platforms.
• November 2024: Temu jacket found with 622x phthalate limit; AliExpress shoes with 5x lead limit.
• June 2025: Umbrellas from AliExpress hit 443.5x phthalate limit.
• May 2025: 14 of 24 summer items failed; lead and pH violations widespread.
• August 2025: 33 swimwear/toys tested; Shein passed, Temu/AliExpress flagged again.
• November 2025: 8 of 24 winter items failed, including one scarf with 203x phthalate limit.