A comprehensive 2026 safety evaluation conducted by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Intertek has exposed a critical public health crisis within the counterfeit textile market. Of the 39 products tested - ranging from apparel and footwear to accessories - an alarming 41 per cent failed to meet US and international safety standards. The study, titled Unboxing Fake Fashion: Unleashing Real Dangers, reveals that these illicit goods are frequently saturated with restricted hazardous substances. One specific sample contained diethyl phthalate (DEP) at levels exceeding 327,000 parts per million, which is more than 650 times the threshold permitted under the AAFA Restricted Substances List (RSL).
Chemical contamination and health risks
The findings highlight a pervasive presence of ‘forever chemicals’ and heavy metals in finished garments and footwear. Beyond phthalates, investigators identified widespread failures involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), formaldehyde, and bisphenol-A (BPA). In extreme cases, products showed lead concentrations as high as 191 parts per million, alongside formaldehyde levels nearly ten times the legal regulatory limit. These results indicate that counterfeiters operate outside of established chemical management frameworks, prioritizing low-cost production over consumer health. Experts warn that prolonged dermal contact with such substances can lead to severe endocrine disruption, respiratory issues, and long-term toxicity.
Social commerce as a fraud pipeline
Data from the report suggests that social media platforms have become the primary facilitators for these hazardous transactions. Approximately 25 per cent of the non-compliant items were purchased or marketed via Meta-owned platforms, prompting the AAFA to renew its demand for Meta, Shopee, and Alibaba to be included in the US government’s Notorious Markets List (NML). Counterfeiting has evolved from a brand protection issue into a significant public health threat, stated Steve Lamar, President, AAFA.
With major 2026 events like the FIFA World Cup and the Winter Olympics approaching, the industry is calling for urgent policy intervention to hold third-party marketplaces accountable for the toxic merchandise trafficked through their networks.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) represents over 1,000 world-famous brands, focusing on supply chain integrity and product safety. It manages the industry-standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) and advocates for legislative reforms to protect global consumers. The association targets 100 per cent compliance in verified supply chains while actively combating the digital counterfeit devalue chain.
