A universal charger for 3 euros purchased on Shein Or Temu can it really pose a danger to your home? According to the DGCCRFthe answer is worrying: out of 15 adapters and chargers purchased on large foreign marketplaces like AliExpress100% were found to be non-compliant with European standards, and 60% are officially classified as dangerous.
These figures are part of a vast control campaign carried out in 2025 on more than 650 everyday consumer products, targeting in particular consumer electronics. Nearly 600 references already analyzed show 75% non-compliance and 46% dangerousness. Enough to question all those who recharge their smartphone, laptop or console with an ultra-low-cost charger.
Shein, Temu, AliExpress: what do the DGCCRF tests really reveal about chargers?
The investigators posed as ordinary customers, ordering on seven very popular foreign marketplaces in France, including Shein, Temu, AliExpressbut also wish And Joom. The products were then dissected by the Joint Laboratory Service : electrical, mechanical or chemical tests depending on the categories.
Overall result, cited by the DGCCRF in a brief relayed by 01net: “46% of the products analyzed were dangerous, presenting risks for consumer safety”. More than 100,000 items have been removed from the market, including 57,000 toys. On the tech side, the results are even darker: 60% of adapters and chargers, 81% of small kitchen appliances, 81% of lighting fixtures and garlands present a proven risk.
Shein or Temu charger: what risks for your smartphone, your PC or your console?
Behind the simple sector brick, a compliant charger must correctly isolate the mains current, stabilize the voltage, integrate protection against overvoltages and overheating. On the models inspected, the laboratories noted insufficient insulation, fragile welds and undersized components, with the risk of electric shock and fire.
For your devices, the danger is not theoretical: a poorly designed power supply can destroy the motherboard of a laptop, burn the USB C port of a Switch or damage the battery of a smartphone. A DGCCRF spokesperson cited the example of a hair dryer whose “welding can easily deteriorate”, a sign that the same logic applies to low-end chargers. Indications to look out for in your home: absence of CE markinginstructions not translated, very light plastic, charger which heats abnormally or gives off a burning smell.
VigE-Commerce, withdrawals, blockages: what awaits marketplaces and your future purchases
Faced with these excesses, Bercy speaks of “general mobilization” and created the cell VigE-Commercemeeting for the first time on April 29. This interministerial structure coordinates DGCCRFCustoms, ARCOM, ANSM or DGAC to “create a surveillance network” for platforms like Shein, Temu, AliExpress, Wish or Joom, and manage crises more quickly. As part of the European regulation on digital services (DSA), these giants must carry out their own controls and analyze the systemic risks linked to their third-party sellers.
In the event of refusal to comply after an alert, the DGCCRF can now go so far as to ask access providers to suspend a site. For consumers, the message is clear: do not bet the integrity of an 800 euro smartphone or a complete gaming setup on an anonymous 2 euro charger. Favor identified brands, a credible CE marking, a seller based in the European Union and, in case of doubt, immediately stop using the suspect adapter and report it to the competent authorities.