U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials seized a hefty haul of unauthorized children's products at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport, thwarting attempts to bring potentially harmful goods into the country, CBP announced. A total of 2,296 items, including baby walkers, autism balance chairs, baby changing tables, step stools, and toys, failed to meet critical safety standards. With a reported value of close to $80,000, the move highlights the ongoing battle against dangerous imports.
In sophisticated efforts to dodge U.S. regulations, importers had sneakily concealed these problematic products among legitimate cargo, a ruse uncovered by vigilant CBP officers. Their diligence resulted in the finding of 96 baby walkers, 216 autism balance chairs, 492 baby changing tables, 196 step stools, and 1,296 toys, all of which lacked the necessary safety certifications, such as children’s product certificates and proper tracking labels. Cheryl Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, underscored the agency's dedication, stating, “CBP is committed to preventing the illegal importation of products that violate U.S. safety standards, as they have the potential to cause harm to children, our most vulnerable consumers.”
Through a collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), federal investigators tested the confiscated items and confirmed numerous violations. Autism balance chairs breached the Consumer Product Safety Act, changing tables fell short of the established standards, and toys presented a choking hazard or contained hazardous substances. Jim Joholske, Director of CPSC's Office of Import Surveillance, lauded the partnership's results, "Federal safety standards and certification requirements are in place for children’s products because they save lives. We appreciate the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in helping CPSC stop hazardous products at our nation’s ports."
The enforcement action was part of a broader initiative at the LA/LB Seaport, where CBP officers, in fiscal year 2023, ensured consumer protection by intercepting 344 shipments contravening health and safety regulations. Among those were not only dodgy children's products but everything from highly inflammable clothing to personal hygiene products posing risks. “These seizures attest to CBP officer’s vigilance and expertise as the illicit products arrived concealed in legitimate shipments, I’m very proud of their commitment and dedication,” Africa Bell, CBP Port Director of the LA/LB Seaport stated.
CBP operates under the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring the integrity of U.S. borders through customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural inspection at ports of entry. Their collaborative efforts with CPSC are instrumental in maintaining the safety of imported consumer goods, particularly those designed for children, and exemplify the strategic vigilance necessary to uphold federal standards.
