Need to find a product code on SHEIN? Whether you’re returning an item, sharing a find, or trying to search by code, it’s quick once you know where to look. Here’s a 2025 guide to finding the SKU or item ID on both desktop and the app — plus how to use it.

TLDR

On desktop: Look beneath the product name — it’ll be a long string of numbers.

On the app: Tap “Share” and copy the link — the code is in the URL.

Why it matters: You can search by product code to find sold-out items, reorder, or share with a friend.

Next, check out our guides if you need to know how to find the product code on Zara or ASOS – or read more about SHEIN’s shipping and returns policies.

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What is a SHEIN product code?

Like with every brand, SHEIN has a code that corresponds to every product it sells, also known as the product code or SKU. These can be used to locate products on the site or to easily share them with others without having to copy and paste an entire link. It also saves so much time that would otherwise be spent Googling or scrolling through hundreds of pages trying to find it.

How and where to find the product code on SHEIN

Desktop

Firstly, open the Shein website and locate the item that you need the product code for. The SHEIN desktop product code appears right under the product name, listed as the SKU.. See an example of this, below.

You can search SHEIN by product code — just copy and paste it into the search bar and the item will come right up. You can also enter this into the app to find the product. If you’re wondering where to find the SKU on SHEIN’s app, it’s a little more hidden — but easy once you know how.

On the app

Open the Shein app, then find the item you need the code of. Click description, under the product image. Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see the SHEIN mobile app product ID, listed alongside the SKU. Either of these will work, but the item ID is easily copied as this is given as an option on the app. If you enter this ID into the search bar on the Shein website, it will also pick up the item you’re searching for.

Here’s an example:

What is a SHEIN reference code?

On Shein, a reference code is like a special ID for a product. It helps them keep track of the item in their inventory. The reference code is usually shown with the product info and can be used for different things, like asking questions, checking your order, or returning or exchanging stuff. If you have any questions or problems with a reference code on Shein, it’s best to ask their customer support for help.

Can you search by image on SHEIN?

Yes. Searching for an item via Shein is really easy. All you need to do is download the Shein Image ID Searcher Chrome extension for Google Chrome. Once downloaded, you can search by right clicking on any image you find and clicking ‘Search on Shein’. You also have the option of uploading a picture by clicking on the icon – a black S inside a magnifying glass – that appears on your browser and uploading an image from your computer. You’ll then be presented with a selection of similar products.

This allows you to search any image, not just those from Shein’s website. For exmaple, if you see an item you like from Zara, H&M or Mango, you can search the image and it will bring up relevant products at Shein.

How to reverse image search

If you haven’t managed to find the item you want, you can reverse image search with Google. You can use this on your smartphone with the Chrome mobile app or desktop computer.

To do so, head to Google.com. Instead of typing a search term into the search bar, click the camera and upload an image.

Then you’ll be asked to drag an image, upload a file or paste an image link. Once you do this, you’ll then be presented with the results of the image search.

How to find and scan a SHEIN barcode

Looking for the barcode of a specific item you have ordered? The barcodes are on the bags that each item arrived packaged in, but if you’ve mixed these up, it’s okay to return them without the plastic bags or to return them in the wrong bags.

It’s super easy to scan a barcode with SHEIN. All you need is a smartphone, many of which scan barcodes automatically. If you’ve ever tried taking a photo and been invited to open a web link, you’ll know what I mean. If you need to install an app that scans barcodes, try QR Code Barcode Scanner for the iPhone, or if you use an Android phone, use the QR Barcode Scanner.

Next, you’ll need to open the SHEIN app and click the barcode icon near the search bar. Your camera will open and you’ll be able to scan the barcode in question. The app will then take you to the product page you need.

Is SHEIN safe to order from?

Yes – absolutely. If you order something from the brand, it will arrive safely to the delivery address. While it can be nerve-wracking trusting a website you’ve never ordered from before, I have ordered from Shein before and had no problems.

Does SHEIN give birthday discounts?

Sadly the brand doesn’t send specific birthday discounts, but SHEIN regularly offers discounts and offers so if you’re patient you’ll definitely manage to find one regardless. Next, take a look at how to find the product code on H&M and Zara products.

How do you lose points on SHEIN?

SHEIN has a bonus point scheme, which allows you to earn SHEIN points that can be redeemed on products online. Sometimes you might notice that you’ve lost some of your points, so why does this happen?

If you don’t use your bonus points, you lose them after a while. Just like the H&M membership, your points have an expiry date. Keep tabs on them to ensure you use them before they expire.

How to contact SHEIN customer service

Unfortunately SHEIN don’t have a UK customer service contact number or email address. However you can still contact them via live chat on the SHEIN website.

To contact SHEIN via live chat, simply login online. You can then click headphone icon in the top right hand corner, where you’ll be presented with a Customer Service drop-down box. Click this and a new tab will open. You’ll then be able to ask questions about your orders, account issues, products, refunds, returns and exchanges.

You’ll eventually be invited to contact an agent and submit a ticket, and a representative should contact you within three days.

How to return a SHEIN product

SHEIN returns are easy. Firstly, you’ll need to login to your account and select ‘Start Returns’. Select the order or items you want to return, select a reason and click submit.

You’ll then be asked to select a return method. SHEIN’s return methods include EVRI, Royal Mail, or 24/7 InPost lockers for UK users. You’ll need to print off a return label or choose to be sent a QR code.

Drop off your return to your local parcel shop and soon enough, you should receive a refund.

Read more about SHEIN returns.

Where to Find Your SHEIN Return Label

To return your order to SHEIN, you’ll need to generate a return label. Firstly, head to Shein.co.uk and sign into your account. Click Start Returns at the bottom of the page, select the items you’re returning, select the reasons you’re returning them, and click submit. You’ll be asked to select a return method, and once chosen, you’ll be provided with a return label or QR code.

If you misplace your return label, you can simply re-download it. Head to Shein.co.uk, then click on My Orders. Find the order you’re returning, click Order Details, click Return Refund Record, and in the top right-hand corner, you’ll see a View button. This will re-download the QR code originally provided.

Is SHEIN ethical and sustainable?

In short, no. SHEIN is widely criticised for its fast fashion business model, which is inherently unsustainable. The brand reportedly lists around 6,000 new items on its website every day, with an average price of just £7.20. This massive output encourages overconsumption, leading to vast amounts of clothing waste that often ends up in landfills. However, there are a few areas where SHEIN has made efforts, albeit limited, to address sustainability and ethical concerns.

Environmental impact and overproduction

The scale of SHEIN’s production is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. The brand’s approach focuses on ultra-fast fashion, producing new styles at an unprecedented rate. This contributes to a culture of disposability, where clothing is treated as nearly single-use, resulting in vast amounts of textile waste. Although SHEIN has not made major public commitments to reducing its environmental impact, its rapid production cycle and low prices suggest that the brand prioritizes quantity over sustainability.

Working conditions

The ethics of SHEIN’s labor practices have been under intense scrutiny. In 2022, Channel 4 released a documentary titled Inside The Shein Machine, which exposed the harsh working conditions within some of SHEIN’s Chinese factories. The documentary revealed that workers were subjected to extremely long hours, often working from 8 am until 2 am the next day, with little to no breaks. Additionally, workers were expected to produce up to 500 garments per day, and if this quota wasn’t met, their wages were docked.

Following these revelations, SHEIN faced significant backlash and promised to investigate these conditions. However, concrete actions or widespread improvements in working conditions have yet to be documented in detail.

SHEIN’s Efforts Towards Sustainability

While SHEIN’s overall approach is far from sustainable, the brand has taken some initial steps towards addressing environmental concerns:

1. SHEIN Exchange Program: SHEIN launched a resale platform called SHEIN Exchange in the U.S. in 2022, which allows customers to buy and sell second-hand SHEIN products. This initiative is aimed at extending the life cycle of its clothing, although it’s limited in scope and impact compared to the volume of new products the company churns out daily.
2. Packaging: SHEIN has introduced recyclable packaging for some of its products, and customers can return the plastic packaging to SHEIN for recycling. However, this effort does little to counterbalance the environmental harm caused by the sheer scale of production.
3. SHEIN Cares: The brand has a charity initiative called SHEIN Cares, which supports various global causes, including environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. Although this shows some level of corporate social responsibility, critics argue that these efforts are minor compared to the company’s overall environmental footprint.

Plans for Improvement

SHEIN has expressed intentions to improve its practices, but specific, transparent plans are limited:

• Sustainability Roadmap: SHEIN has mentioned plans to develop a more comprehensive sustainability roadmap, though details are sparse. The company has stated that it aims to use more eco-friendly materials and reduce waste in its production process, but there is little public information about the timeline or scale of these efforts.
• Supply Chain Transparency: SHEIN has been gradually increasing transparency in its supply chain. The company claims to be working on better monitoring and auditing of its factories, with the goal of ensuring that all workers are treated fairly. However, full transparency and third-party verification of these claims are still lacking.

Read more about SHEIN’s ethics and sustainability.

Summary

To find the SHEIN product code, just follow the below advice:

• On the SHEIN website: Locate the item, and the SKU/product code will be under the product name.
• On the SHEIN app: Go to the item’s description, and scroll down to find the SKU or item ID.