MP backs import ban for forced labour products and calls for increased scrutiny of Chinese web giant Shein

The MP who leads the business select committee has called for increased scrutiny of Chinese fast fashion giant Shein.

Liam Byrne, the committee’s chairman, backed the introduction of US-style laws banning the import of products made with forced labour.

He said ministers must ensure fast-fashion group Shein’s supply chain is up to scratch amid expectations that it will launch a £50billion stock market float in London.

Byrne suggested Britain should introduce legislation similar to the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act in the US, or toughen its stance in other ways.

The law assumes that all goods made in the Chinese province of Xinjiang are made with forced labour unless US Customs can verify they are not.

Labour MP Byrne, who has just been re-elected chairman of the cross-party committee, hopes to haul the bosses of Shein and other Chinese firms, including Tik Tok, in front of MPs for a grilling.

Shein had looked at listing in the US and Byrne said that before the election he had discussed the company with New York Stock Exchange officials.

‘They said it was clear there were some due diligence issues that hadn’t been cleared,’ he told the Financial Times. 

‘My view is that we don’t have a Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act in Britain and therefore it’s incumbent on ministers to satisfy themselves that Shein passes the highest standards on forced labour protections.’

The Uyghurs are the largest ethnic minority group in China’s north-western province Xinjiang. Chinese authorities have been accused of setting up labour camps for them and other Muslim minority groups.

Horrifying accusations of torture, sexual violence and sterilisation measures have been made. But Beijing denies all claims of human rights abuse.

Campaigners have said they are concerned Shein’s suppliers are likely to be using materials made in such camps.

Shein has insisted it has a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to forced labour and that it has increased checks on suppliers.

But campaigners and industry leaders have expressed concerns over Shein’s supply chain. It uses thousands of suppliers including in China, Turkey and Mexico.

The British Fashion Council has warned the planned flotation is a ‘significant concern’ to the industry. 

Shein has filed paperwork with the City watchdog, however, and sources say a listing could be expected as early as this autumn.

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