CBP denies lead-tainted toys
By NICK GEORGIOU, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
04/17/2008

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection lab in Houston recently determined that three shipments of toys seized March 31 contained an excessive amount of lead-based paint.The prohibited toys were imported through Mexico from Hong Kong and were destined for U.S. commerce.

CBP officers with the Commodity Specialists Team at the World Trade Bridge seized the three shipments of toys, which had an estimated domestic value of approximately $20,000.

"CBP maintains a vigilant stance in intercepting illegal shipments that introduce unsafe merchandise into the country," a CBP news release stated. "The importers who benefit from selling these unsafe toys overlook the far-reaching effects that this merchandise can have to our consumers and the ‘little people' who end up playing with these toys."

CBP displayed several samples of the seized toys Wednesday at the World Trade Bridge import lot.

The toys on display consisted of mini foosball tables, military men play sets, trucks and dolls.

In total, CBP seized 8,204 toys in 459 boxes.

Juan Porras, supervisory import specialist at the World Trade Bridge, said the interesting part is that people don't think of Chinese imports coming through Laredo.

But, obviously, he said, it happens.

He said the CBP at the World Trade Bridge has seen 12 shipments from China this year that changed their transit route to include consumption in the United States. Porras said that if the shipments had stayed in transit, from Hong Kong to Long Beach, Calif., and then to Mexico, there would have been no problem.

Of the 12 shipments, he said three tested positive for lead-based paint that exceeded the federal guidelines.

Because of the concern about toys from China containing an excessive amount of lead paint, Porras said anytime CBP sees that shipments of toys from China are declared at U.S. Customs, it sends them to the lab in Houston to be tested.

When it's determined that the toys contain an excessive amount of lead, they are destroyed at a facility in Houston.

The truck drivers who were carrying the shipments will not be penalized, said CBP spokeswoman Mucia Dovalina. It's the shipping company or the importer that could face civil penalties, she said.

CBP takes into consideration different circumstances when deciding the penalty, such as if the shipper has any previous violations.

(Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or by e-mail at nickg@lmtonline.com)


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