H&M Group vs SHEIN

H&M investigates potential cyberattack amid ShinyHunters claims

Swedish fashion retailer H&M has launched an investigation into potential cyberattack claims circulated by the hacker group ShinyHunters. The company stated that it has found no evidence of unauthorized access to its data environment so far. The claims follow a confirmed cyber incident at online fashion retailer Asos. While there is speculation that the same or linked actors may be behind both incidents, no concrete connection has been established. H&M emphasized that the allegations are not independently confirmed, and no successful attack or data theft has been proven. The company operates a complex IT infrastructure connecting online and physical retail, making cybersecurity a critical concern. Should a data breach be confirmed, statutory notification obligations could arise. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome remains pending.

• H&M investigates potential cyberattack claims by hacker group ShinyHunters.
• H&M states no evidence of unauthorized access to its data environment so far.
• The investigation follows a confirmed cyber incident at online retailer Asos.

H&M Group Newsroom: New announcements including ELIE SAAB H&M collection, Nine-month report 2026, and first store in Paraguay

The newsroom page now features several new press releases: 'Celebrate ELIE SAAB H&M collection in Paris' (29 Sep 2026), 'H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB Nine-month report 2026' (24 Sep 2026), 'H&M teams with Nick Knight and SHOWstudio on a visually experimental London Fashion Week show' (19 Sep 2026), 'Announcing ELIE SAAB H&M: a celebration of glamour and timeless elegance' (8 Sep 2026), and 'H&M opens its first store in Paraguay' (17 Aug 2026).

Announcing ELIE SAAB H&M: a celebration of glamour and timeless elegance

H&M Group announces a new designer collaboration with ELIE SAAB, celebrating glamour and timeless elegance. Additionally, H&M opens its first store in Paraguay.

EU imposes EUR 2 handling fee on direct imports

Since November 1, 2026, a new EU handling fee of EUR 2 per distinct item position applies to direct imports from third countries shipped to EU consumers. The fee, independent of product value, aims to cover the administrative costs of the growing number of small parcels entering the EU. It impacts international platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, potentially reducing their price advantage over European retailers with localized warehousing. Merchants, platform operators, or transport providers typically handle the payment, which may be passed on to consumers through higher prices. The regulation follows the abolition of the EUR 150 customs threshold on July 1, 2026, and the introduction of a flat EUR 3 duty per product category. The EU anticipates significant revenue, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in cross-border e-commerce.

• EU introduces EUR 2 handling fee per distinct item position on direct imports from third countries effective November 1, 2026.
• The fee applies independently of the product's value and is triggered by the time of import into the EU.
• Affected platforms include Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which ship goods directly from countries like China to EU consumers.

EU expects €6 billion from new import duties on cheap goods

The European Union is tightening regulations on low-cost online imports from third countries. New levies on low-priced shipments starting November 1, 2026, aim to strengthen import controls and generate additional revenue for the EU budget. According to internal European Commission calculations, these fees could raise around €6 billion annually from 2028, as reported by Reuters. Online platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which ship large volumes directly from China, are particularly affected. The added costs could alter their pricing strategies and accelerate the expansion of European warehouses. In 2025, the EU saw 5.8 billion shipments valued under €150, a 26% increase year-over-year. Amazon, with 97% of its EU sales shipped from local warehouses, sees minimal impact. The revenue split—90% to EU budget, 10% to member states—is still under negotiation.

• The EU expects new fees on low-cost imports to generate about €6 billion annually from 2028.
• A new fee of €2 per order item will apply from November 1, 2026, on top of a €3 fee introduced in July 2026.
• In 2025, the EU recorded 5.8 billion shipments valued under €150, up 26% year-over-year.

Shein Settles FTC Probe for $100 Million

Online fashion retailer Shein has agreed to pay $100 million to settle a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into delivery delays and thousands of customer complaints. The settlement, reported by Reuters, follows over 12,000 consumer complaints filed with the FTC between January 2020 and June 2026, involving purchases worth over $11 million. The payment represents about 44% of Shein's Q2 2026 profit. Shein confirmed the settlement but provided no further details, while the FTC has not commented. The company faces additional regulatory pressures in Europe, including an EU probe into illegal products and a €150 million fine from French authorities over cookie practices. Its stock has fallen about 22% since its IPO on September 1, 2026. CEO Sky Xu plans to shift towards higher-priced brands to improve profitability.

• Shein agrees to pay $100 million to settle FTC probe.
• Over 12,000 consumer complaints filed with FTC between Jan 2020 and Jun 2026.
• FTC settlement amounts to about 44% of Shein's Q2 2026 profit.