Authorities at Los Angeles County ports have intercepted a significant haul of baby-related items worth nearly $80,000, concealed within multiple cargo shipments originating from China. The seizure, conducted by customs officers, encompassed a variety of products including baby walkers, autism balance chairs, baby changing tables, baby/kid step stools, and alphabet mystery box toys.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a total of 96 baby walkers, 216 autism balance chairs, 492 baby changing tables, 196 baby/kid step stools, and 1,296 alphabet mystery box toys were confiscated due to alleged non-compliance with child safety standards. These items were discovered concealed within four ostensibly legitimate cargo shipments processed between January and February.
In collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), CBP conducted thorough inspections to ascertain the violation of safety regulations by these products. Cheryl Davies, Director of Field Operations at CBP, emphasized the agency’s dedication to thwarting the illicit importation of goods that endanger the safety of children, underscoring the vulnerability of young consumers to potential harm. Davies lauded the enduring partnership between CBP and CPSC as instrumental in addressing such threats.
Authorities revealed that the confiscated infant walkers, changing tables, and step stools lacked essential documentation, such as consumer registrations, children’s product certificates, and tracking labels. Moreover, the autism balance chairs were found to contravene the Consumer Product Safety Act, while the toys failed to meet the stipulations of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, particularly regarding small parts requirements.
Jim Joholske, Director of CPSC, emphasized the critical importance of federal safety standards and certification requirements for children’s products, stressing their role in safeguarding lives. The interception of these non-compliant items underscores the concerted efforts of regulatory agencies to uphold safety standards and protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable members of society—children.
