The investigation will look into whether the e-tail giant's website is making claims that could be misleading consumers about its sustainability efforts.

Italian officials opened an investigation into Shein, saying the online fast-fashion giant might be making misleading claims about the sustainability of the clothing it sells.

Italy's antitrust watchdog agency — will focus on the Dublin-based company that operates Shein's website and app.

However, Italian officials are accusing the company of misleading consumers with claims about the environmental sustainability of the clothing it sells. Environmental organisations have alleged such deceptive practices, known as greenwashing, occur across the corporate world.

Under European Union anti-greenwashing regulations that came into force this year, companies are banned from making vague environmental claims about their products.

Italy's antitrust agency said on Wednesday it had launched an investigation into Dublin-based Infinite Styles Services CO. Limited, which manages the Italian website of Shein, over possible deceptive environmental claims on its website.

It claims Shein misrepresents sustainability with vague and misleading product statements. Italy's antitrust agency has launched an investigation into Infinite Styles Services CO. Limited, which operates Shein’s website and app,

Italy's competition authority is investigating Shein for potentially misleading environmental claims about its ‘evoluShein’ collection. This follows prior concerns about labour practices and environmental impact raised by advocacy groups.