Fake school supplies recently confiscated by CBP. Photo Credit: CBP USVI & Puerto Rico
As children nationwide prepare for a new academic year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have raised concerns about unsafe school supplies.
A recent shipment, with a manifested value exceeding $54,000, was flagged and subsequently seized by authorities in San Juan due to its violation of federal laws concerning hazardous substances.
In a correspondence to the Consortium, CBP indicated that such unsafe items haven't been observed in the territory. Jeffrey Quiñones, the public affairs specialist for CBP Puerto Rico and the USVI, stated, "We haven't detected these specific CPSC violations in the USVI. However, we have identified violations related to products like four tracks and bed mattresses."
During a routine inspection, CBP officers identified that the shipment labeled as "School Supplies" lacked the mandatory Consumer Product Safety Act Tracking labels. This omission led to the involvement of a CPSC Inspector who confirmed the violation.
Efrain Rivas, assistant director of field operations for trade at the San Juan Field Office, commented on the seizure. “The imminent start of the new school year means distributors, retailers, and consumers must exercise caution about the safety standards of products they import into the U.S. and its territories,” he said. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts between CBP and CPSC, we were successful in preventing these potentially harmful supplies from reaching children.”
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act stipulates that hazardous household products should carry precautionary labeling on their immediate containers. This is intended to guide consumers on safe usage and storage, as well as to provide directives for immediate first aid in the event of unforeseen exposure. Moreover, the Act empowers the CPSC to entirely prohibit products deemed exceedingly perilous or those with insufficient protective labeling.
Emphasizing the significance of import safety, CBP has designated it as a Priority Trade Issue. The organization said it is steadfast in its dedication to preventing unsafe products from entering the U.S. market. Collaborative endeavors with government partners, foreign counterparts, and the trade industry are underway to enhance risk assessment. Through measures like automation, transparent information exchange, and fostering partnerships that prioritize best practices, CBP says it continues its mission to safeguard the American consumer.
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