
Shein prepares to enter the exchange in London. There are however obstacles – the company does not provide complete information on the origin of the cotton used in its products, which raises doubt among parliamentarians.
The fast fashion giant, on its debut on the London exchange, has declared before British parliamentarians, that products sold in the United States do not contain cotton originating from China.
As reports Reuters, a Chinese company has designated a list of regions, where there are offered clothing made only of “good” cotton. Beyond the United States are the following:
- Australia,
- Brazil,
- India,
- “some” countries in Europe, Central Africa and Southeast Asia .
According to the statement Yinan Zhu, advisor general Shein for region Europe, Middle East and Africa, The company’s policy is compliant with the law on the prohibition of forced labor.
U.S. regulations prohibit importation of products made with exploitation of forced labor in China, in this in Xinjiang region, where according to non-government organizations and the US government there is a violation of human rights against the youth.
It is worth reminding, that Shein has been accused of violations of human rights
and workers in its chain of supplies. The allegations are cotton from the Xinjiang region, which is
the subject of international criticism.
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Research and consistency with ethical principles
Shein emphasizes, that the company code of conduct for suppliers prohibits the use of forced labor dependently on the market, in which the products are sold. The company however does not specify ambiguously, whether similar restrictions apply to cotton in products sold in Great Britain, where the clothing giant plans to enter the market.
According to representative Shein, results of research from 2024 year showed, that only 1.3% of cotton used in products Shein was originated from .unapproved regions.
Criticism from party of Parliamentarians
During a hearing on 7 January in the British Parliament Yinan Zhu did answer questions about consumption of cotton from China, which was meet with criticism from the chair of the
Commission Liam Byrne. This expressed his concern about the transparency of Shein ‘s actions – included it in the
list to such institutions, such as Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and London Stock Exchange, which are responsible
for approving the debate of the stock exchange company.
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Considerations for the apparel market
The case Shein underlines the growing pressure on companies from the apparel branch, that they would ensure compliance with ethical principles and regulations legally, especially in the context of sourcing. Consumers andregulatorsandfrequentlyexpectmoretransparencyandaccountabilityforsupply chains.
Chinesegigant mustanswerquestionsabouttheuseofcottonfrom .