Shein Faces Scrutiny Over Cotton Sourcing Amid Human Rights Concerns

Shein, the online fast-fashion giant, is facing scrutiny over its cotton sourcing practices amid allegations of using cotton from China's Xinjiang region, known for human rights abuses. The retailer has mandated that its contract manufacturers must source cotton only from approved regions outside China for products sold in the U.S., in compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. However, questions remain regarding whether these sourcing rules apply to other markets, including the UK, where Shein is seeking a stock market listing. Despite Shein's claims of compliance and a prohibition on forced labor, the company has been criticized for not providing clear information about its cotton origins during a recent parliamentary inquiry. Lawmakers in the UK are pressing Shein for answers, highlighting concerns over transparency. Shein's sourcing policy includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, and India, but a small percentage of cotton is still sourced from unapproved areas.