Seoul, South Korea – A recent crackdown by South Korean authorities has revealed a significant number of unsafe products being sold on popular Chinese online marketplaces, AliExpress and Temu. The findings come as consumers prepare for the year-end holiday shopping season, with events like Black Friday and Boxing Day expected to drive a surge in cross-border e-commerce.   

The Korea Consumer Agency announced that it has blocked nearly 1,915 listings for hazardous products on AliExpress and Temu since May. This follows a voluntary agreement signed in May between the platforms and the Fair Trade Commission to prevent the sale of unsafe goods in South Korea.   

The banned products primarily consisted of electronics, toys, and accessories, many of which contained harmful substances or posed safety risks. According to the agency, 506 products were blocked due to safety concerns identified by South Korean authorities, while 1,052 were recalled in other countries and subsequently banned from the Korean market.   

"Electronics and toys were particularly problematic, with many items containing hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium," said a spokesperson for the Korea Consumer Agency. "These products posed serious health risks to consumers, especially children."

To protect consumers, the agency recommends exercising caution when purchasing products from overseas online marketplaces. Consumers are advised to carefully check product descriptions, reviews, and certifications before making a purchase. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the return policies and dispute resolution processes of these platforms.

The South Korean government has pledged to strengthen its efforts to prevent the sale of unsafe products through cross-border e-commerce. The Korea Consumer Agency will continue to monitor online marketplaces and work with relevant government agencies to identify and remove hazardous products.   

Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected unsafe products to the Korea Consumer Agency or the Fair Trade Commission.

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