"Cheap but Toxic?" Ali and Temu, Children's Products Contain '3000 Times More Carcinogens'

Harmful substances exceeding domestic safety standards by a large margin were detected in children's products sold on Chinese overseas direct purchase platforms such as AliExpress and Temu (hereinafter referred to as C-commerce).

On the 30th, the Korea Customs Service announced that, after analyzing the components of 252 types of children's products sold on C-commerce, harmful substances exceeding domestic safety standards by up to 3,026 times were detected in 38 types.

Children's products refer to items directly used by children under the age of 13 or items and their parts used for children. The analysis targeted ultra-low-priced products sold on C-commerce, with an average price of around 3,400 KRW.

Major children's products detected with harmful substances. Provided by Korea Customs Service

Among the 38 products in which harmful substances were detected, 27 contained phthalate-based plasticizers exceeding the standard by up to 82 times, and 5 contained lead exceeding the standard by up to 270 times. In particular, the amount of cadmium detected in 6 products was confirmed to be up to 3,026 times higher than the standard.

Phthalate-based plasticizers are representative environmental hormones (endocrine-disrupting substances) that can cause endocrine system disorders when in prolonged contact with the body.

Above all, since they can adversely affect reproductive functions and physical growth, their use is strictly restricted in children's products. Among children's products sold on C-commerce, phthalate-based plasticizers were most frequently detected in shoes, school supplies, and toys, in that order.

Cadmium is highly toxic and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, while lead can cause diseases of the renal, central nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems upon poisoning. Cadmium and lead were mainly detected in accessories such as rings and bracelets, as well as bags and headbands.

Detection Status of Phthalate Plasticizers, Heavy Metals, etc. by Item Type. Provided by Korea Customs Service

In anticipation of increased overseas direct purchases ahead of Family Month (May), the Korea Customs Service conducted component analysis of children's products such as school supplies and toys sold on C-commerce to verify their safety.

Another reason for planning the component analysis was the difficulty in guaranteeing safety because products sold on C-commerce can be imported without meeting import requirements.

A Korea Customs Service official stated, “We will strengthen customs clearance management to prevent harmful substances-containing goods from being brought into the country through overseas direct purchases, and continue component analysis to verify the safety of daily necessities closely related to citizens' lives. Information on the 38 types of children's products detected in this component analysis can be found on the Korea Customs Service website.”