U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) officers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigators have seized more than 200,000 toy dolls at U.S. ports.
The government intercepted the toy dolls over the past six months.
The CBP says the dolls, from China, contained high levels of phthalates which are an illegal chemical compound which is hazardous to children.
Investigators say they seized ten shipments valued at almost $500,000 at the ports of Chicago; Dallas; Los Angeles; Norfolk, Va.; Memphis; Newark, N.J.; Portland, Ore.; and Savannah, Ga.
“Using advanced technology to track certain shipments before they reach our shores is helping CPSC better protect America’s consumers,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “CPSC and CBP are working in partnership to detect and detain violative imports. Through the use of a risk management system, we are targeting those shipments most likely to contain dangerous goods, while also allowing for faster processing of compliant products. Expanding our port surveillance program is key to preventing injuries and achieving our long-term vision.”
