Reports

Based on new research, including studies by BEUC members across Europe, this report reveals how deceptive techniques (‘dark patterns’) trigger unwilling spending and economic losses for consumers, fuel the circulation of unsafe clothing items across Europe, and disempower consumers in their efforts towards the green transition.

This document provides a summary of the dark patterns observed on the selected SHEIN websites and app between November 2024 and May 2025. The products seen in the screenshots have been randomly selected, with a variety of clothes and accessories, to show the widespread use of dark patters - irrespective of product.

BEUC and 16 member organisations from 12 countries filed a complaint to the European Commission and the Consumer Protection authorities’ network (CPC) denouncing seven airlines charging undue fees to consumers for their hand baggage. We are calling for an EU-wide investigation into the commercial practices of the targeted airlines and the wider sector.