Shein probed by Texas attorney general over labour practices, product safety
The pressure on Shein increases as Ken Paxton joins France on investigating the clothing company.
Customers queue to enter the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on the day of its opening inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, Nov 5, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)
AUSTIN: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Monday (Dec 1) 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 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 for three months, and the European Commission has requested information from the company to determine whether it posed a "systemic risk" to European consumers.
Shein has said 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 .
