MCCAA orders Shein and Temu to recall several children’s footwear products from Malta

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has ordered the recall of a total of five children’s footwear products sold by online platforms Shein and Temu.

This was done after tests revealed that these products were found to be non-compliant with the REACH Regulation 1907/2006 due to the presence of chemicals that exceed the legal limits, namely cadmium, lead, phthalates, and paraffins.

While phthalates are normally used as plasticizers to soften and increase the flexibility of these materials, paraffins are used as flame retardants, while lead and cadmium are used in dyes and paints to give them colour.

However, the presence of these chemicals is restricted due to the potential harm to human health.

These tests were carried out at an accredited laboratory by the Technical Regulations Division within the MCCAA.

A total of 10 children’s clothing and footwear products, namely printed T-shirts, matching sets, slippers, and rain boots, were tested.

It should be noted that while no failures were detected for the clothing items, the same cannot be said for the footwear products, as five out of five slippers and rain boots tested were found to be noncompliant with the applicable regulation. The list of the five recalled footwear products is found below.

What are the products?

Product 1:

2024 Adorable Cartoon Happy Dinosaur Kids’ Waterproof Anti-Slip Rain Boots

SKU: sk2407168999003070

Product 2:

Children’s Slippers Summer Baby Girl’s Boys’ Parent-child Slip-resistant Big Kids Outdoor Beach Sandals For Toddlers & Little Kids.

SKU: sk2311148329089802

Product 3:

One Pair Of Purple Cartoon Cute Slippers For Girls And Babies, Soft Bottom And Anti–Slip For Bathroom, Home, Princess Style, Suitable For Summer Indoor And Outdoor Beach.

SKU: sa2403272772798511

Product 4:

Kids’ Cartoon-Themed Slides – Soft PVC Sole, Non-Slip Indoor & Outdoor Sandals for Boys and Girls 
CN24-25(EU30) / Yellow Ref: 3658164051

Product 5:

Kids Cute Shark Cartoon Rain Boots – All-Season Waterproof High-Top Shoes with Warm Plush Lining for Boys, Daily & Casual Wear, Comfortable Anti-Slip Soft Sole PVC Wellington Boots
CN160(EU23) / Yellow Ref: 4837902518

In case of any questions, consumers are requested to get in touch with the MCCAA by sending an email to: marketsurveillance@mccaa.org.mt.