Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Lisa O'Carroll in Brussels

Shein accused of ‘shaming’ customers into buying more than they can afford

A clothes rail of red satin-like Shein pyjamas hanging from clothes hangers with the fast fashion company’s lego
The European Consumer Organisation also accuses Shein of promoting shopping habits that fuel environmental and societal problems. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Consumer watchdogs from 21 countries have filed a formal complaint to EU authorities about alleged “dark” practices by the Chinese fast fashion firm Shein including the “shaming” of customers into buying more than they can afford.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has submitted a 29-page dossier to the European Commission citing multiple examples of “dark patterns”, or deceptive techniques designed to encourage purchases.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.