MINISO controversies

Miniso responds to disposable underwear quality complaint

Company response

Miniso issued a statement on August 12 saying that 30 sampled batches of its disposable underwear met relevant standards and the company's quality control requirements, with no quality abnormalities found. Because the consumer did not provide the physical item, Miniso said it could not further verify the product's source, usage scenario, or cause of damage, following a consumer video posted August 6 claiming the underwear fell apart while worn.

Brand identity controversy and de-Japanization

The company apologized for its earlier Japanese-inspired positioning and announced a transition toward explicitly Chinese brand positioning, including removal of Japanese-style lettering and other visual elements.

Controversy and recall over failed chloroform spot check of specific nail polish

In 2020, a regulatory spot check announcement listed a peel-off nail polish sold by MINISO as non-compliant for chloroform; the company stated that its own submitted sample test results differed and attempted to appeal. In October, the brand announced a recall of a small quantity of remaining related nail gel at 10 times the selling price. This entry is limited to the product in the announcement and does not extend to the claim that all cosmetics have the same problem.

MINISO announces recall of peelable nail polish

Recall announced

In October 2020, MINISO announced a recall of remaining stock of its peelable cherry-red nail polish. The recall was announced after the product was found to contain excessive chloroform and carcinogens. The company stated that it would recall the remaining stock at ten times the price. The announcement concerned the limited quantity of the product still on the market.

MINISO announced a 10-times-price recall of remaining stock of its peelable cherry-red nail polish after the product was found to contain excessive chloroform and carcinogens.

Pyongyang store and sanctions controversy

MINISO's entry into North Korea drew criticism because trade with North Korea was subject to United Nations sanctions and restrictions. The company's Japanese branch distanced itself from the decision, while the company said products would no longer be shipped to North Korea. The Pyongyang store was subsequently reported to have been rebranded.

Japanese-style branding and alleged copying criticism

MINISO faced criticism that its name, logo, store environment and product presentation evoked established Japanese retailers including Muji, Uniqlo and Daiso. Commentators disagreed about whether the similarities constituted meaningful cultural or design imitation.

Intellectual-property infringement allegations

MINISO and the trademark owner Saiman Investment were involved in intellectual-property disputes in mainland China. The reported cases included allegations that some products used or resembled characters and designs without proper authorization, with several cases ending in compensation.

Financing practices involving franchisees

Reports questioned the relationship between MINISO-related parties and the Fenlibao peer-to-peer lending platform, including alleged financing arrangements involving franchisees and high stated interest rates. The reports raised questions about self-financing and regulatory compliance; the available reference does not establish a final legal determination.