AliExpress is arguably the world’s biggest online bazaar. It is a fantastic place to find cheap phone cases, niche hobby electronics, affordable fashion, and quirky gadgets you didn’t know existed. As a long-time shopper, I’ve saved thousands of dollars outfitting my home and workspace with goods direct from China.
However, AliExpress is not Amazon.
There are strict categories of items that carry high risks—ranging from financial loss (scams) to actual physical danger (health hazards). To master the art of Chinese import shopping, you need to know where to draw the line. Here is the definitive guide on what not to buy on AliExpress.
1. Safety Equipment (Helmets, Car Seats, Climbing Gear)
The Risk: Critical Failure / Injury
This is the number one rule: Never trust your life to a budget unbranded product.
Safety standards in the EU (ECE) and the US (DOT/Snell) are rigorous. While there are legitimate Chinese brands, the $15 motorcycle helmet or the $30 baby car seat found on AliExpress likely hasn’t undergone legitimate crash testing.
These items often use inferior plastics that become brittle over time or foam that lacks the necessary density to absorb impact. If a phone case breaks, you lose $5. If a climbing carabiner snaps, the cost is much higher.
Verdict: Buy safety gear from reputable local dealers where certification is guaranteed.
2. Cosmetics and Skincare Products
The Risk: Chemical Burns / Allergic Reactions / Toxicity
That eyeshadow palette looks exactly like the one from a high-end brand, but it costs $4 instead of $50. Tempting? Yes. Dangerous? Absolutely.
Regulations regarding chemical ingredients in China are different from those in Western countries. Cheap cosmetics found on AliExpress have frequently been found to contain:
- High levels of lead and mercury.
- Arsenic.
- Bacteria from unsanitary manufacturing conditions.
Since you are importing these personally, they bypass the strict FDA or EU cosmetic testing controls.
Verdict: Stick to your local drugstore. Your skin is an organ—don’t treat it like a discount bin.
3. Flash Memory (SD Cards, USB Drives, SSDs)
The Risk: Fake Capacity Scam / Data Loss
You see a 2TB MicroSD card for $8. It seems too good to be true because it is.
This is one of the oldest scams on the platform. Unscrupulous sellers take a cheap 8GB or 16GB drive and hack the firmware so that when you plug it into your computer, it displays “2TB” as the available space.
Here is what happens: You start copying files. It works fine until you hit the real physical limit (e.g., 8GB). After that, the drive starts overwriting the old data. Your files become corrupted and unrecoverable.
Exception: Official stores of known Chinese brands like Baseus, Ugreen, or KingSpec are generally safe, but avoid the generic “unbranded” cheap memory.
4. “Luxury” Western Brand Replicas
The Risk: Customs Seizure / Low Quality
Are you looking for Nike Air Jordans or a Gucci bag? You might find sellers offering “1:1 replicas” or listings where the logo is blurred out.
Buying counterfeits comes with two major problems:
- Customs: In many countries, customs officers are trained to spot fake luxury goods. If your package is inspected, it will be destroyed, and you may face a fine.
- Quality: The photos often show the real product, but you receive a poorly stitched knock-off made of plastic that smells like gasoline.
Verdict: If you want brands, buy used or wait for sales locally. AliExpress is for Chinese brands, not Western ones.
5. Seeds and Biological Products
The Risk: Invasive Species / “Mystery” Grass
You will often see listings for “Rainbow Roses,” “Blue Strawberries,” or exotic orchids. 99% of the time, these are photoshopped images.
When you buy these seeds, you will likely receive common weed seeds or generic grass. Furthermore, importing seeds is illegal in many countries without a phytosanitary certificate because it risks introducing invasive species or diseases to your local ecosystem.
Verdict: Buy seeds from your local garden center. Blue strawberries do not exist.
6. Mains Voltage Electrical Components (Uncertified)
The Risk: Fire / Electrocution
There is a big difference between a USB cable (5 volts) and a wall socket adapter or hair dryer (110V/220V).
Cheap electrical items designed for high voltage often lack proper insulation, fuses, or separation between high and low-voltage circuits. These “deathdapters” can melt, spark, or electrocute the user.
Verdict: For anything that plugs directly into your wall outlet, verify it has CE, UL, or RoHS markings—and ensure those markings are real. If the device feels suspiciously light or rattles, throw it away.
7. Batteries (Especially 18650s)
The Risk: Explosion / Fake Capacity
Similar to flash memory, rechargeable batteries are often mislabeled. You might see an 18650 Li-Ion battery claiming “9900mAh” capacity. This is physically impossible with current technology (the max is usually around 3500mAh).
Worse than the fake capacity is the lack of protection circuits. Poorly made lithium batteries are a fire hazard, especially during charging.
Verdict: Buy batteries from specialized vape shops or electronics retailers in your country.
How to Shop Smarter
AliExpress is fantastic for:
- ✅ Phone accessories (Cables, cases)
- ✅ Electronic components (Arduino, sensors, LEDs)
- ✅ Home organization & decor
- ✅ Fast fashion (if you check the size charts!)
- ✅ Recognized Chinese tech brands (Xiaomi, Anker, Chuwi)
By avoiding the “Danger 7” listed above, you can enjoy the incredible savings AliExpress offers without risking your health, data, or wallet.