Customs officials have seized nearly $80,000 worth of items hidden in several cargo shipments from China.
In total, authorities seized 96 baby walkers, 216 autism balancing chairs, 492 baby changing tables, 196 infant/child step stools and 1,296 alphabet mystery box toys that allegedly did not meet child safety standards, according to U.S. Customers and Border Protection .
US Customs and Border Protection
Agents said they found these items hidden in four legitimate cargo shipments between January and February.
CBP worked with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to confirm that the products violated child safety standards.
“CBP is committed to preventing the illegal importation of products that violate U.S. safety standards because they have the potential to harm children, our most vulnerable consumers,” said Director of Field Operations Cheryl Davies. “This is an exceptional example of our long-standing strategic partnership with CPSC.”
Authorities said the baby walkers, changing tables and step stools were missing several pieces of documentation, including consumer registrations, child product certificates and tracking labels. Additionally, the autism balance chairs violated the Consumer Product Safety Act, while the toys violated the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and did not meet small parts requirements.
“Federal safety standards and certification requirements apply to children’s products because they save lives,” said CPSC Director Jim Joholske.
