CBP and CPSC intercept over 2,400 unsafe hair dryers at LA/LB seaport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and import specialists assigned to the LA/Long Beach seaport in collaboration with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigators intercepted and seized 2,418 hair dryers for lacking the required immersion protection device resulting in a substantial product hazard.

CBP officers seized the hair dryers on July 17, after CPSC investigators tested samples and confirmed the hair dryers were in violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), for not having the required immersion protection device. Hand hair dryers not equipped with such device could expose the user to electrical shock and or electrocution.

“Protecting consumers from unsafe imported products is always a priority for CBP and our collaboration with CPSC is one of the biggest success stories,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “With one single enforcement action we prevented the entry of products that can potentially put the lives of thousands Americans at risk.”

CBP and CPSC have a close and productive working relationship, effectively joining efforts in enforcing strong product safety standards to protect consumers from unsafe imported goods.

“CPSC values its longstanding relationship with CBP at the Port of LA/LB in stopping noncomplying and hazardous products at the border before they can reach and injure consumers,” said Robert Adler, Acting Chairman U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “CPSC and CBP work side-by-side every day. This shipment of dangerous hairdryers is yet another example of our agencies successful collaboration.”

CPSC has determined that hand-supported hair dryers that are not equipped with integral immersion protection are a substantial product hazard. A hand-supported hair dryer without this protection can be recalled.

Integral immersion protection reduces the risk of electric shock if the hair dryer is immersed in, or otherwise contacts, water. This protection is provided in a block-shaped plug that incorporates a type of circuit interrupter.

“CBP officers and import specialists remain vigilant and committed to stopping hazardous goods from entering U.S. commerce,” said Donald R. Kusser, CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach seaport. “This seizure attests their effective collaboration with our CPSC partners at our nation’s busiest seaport.” 

In fiscal year 2019, CBP seized 5,859 shipments containing goods that can pose a health, safety and security risk to the consumer. This represents a 10 percent increase from 5329 shipments in fiscal year 2018.

Sporting goods, gun and gun parts topped the list with 1,428 seizures representing 24 percent of all seizures, followed by consumer electronics seizures, 17 percent; pharmaceuticals, 15 percent; sun glasses/eyewear, 14 percent; and personal care, 8 percent.

If you have any suspicion of or information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, please report the trade violation to e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. 

Import Safety is a CBP Priority Trade Issue, designed to ensure that unsafe products do not enter the commerce of the U.S. CBP works collaboratively with partner government agencies, foreign government and trade stakeholders to better define and assess risk, through sharing of information, state-of-the-art targeting technologies and best practices to protect the U.S. consumer.  

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the AJOT editorial board or Fleur de lis Publishing, Inc. and its owners.