When importing into the United States an importer must make sure to comply with the customs laws for classification, valuation, invoicing, etc. But they also must make sure that they’re products are not harmful or in violations of the myriad of other regulations enforced by CBP at the border; whether they be FDA, Department of Agriculture, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Recently, a shipment of baby clothing imported into the United States was seized by Customs because it was tainted with lead.
The story here:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Lewiston Bridge seized a shipment of baby clothing containing lead.
On March 19, CBP officers, working in collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, examined a shipment of children’s clothing manufactured in China. Preliminary findings resulted in the discovery of possible lead contamination. Samples were shipped to CPSC’s Product Testing and Evaluation Center who confirmed the clothing contained excessive amounts of lead on clothing components. The shipment was seized under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and will be destroyed.
“Our close working relationship with CPSC prevented extremely harmful clothing from entering commerce and potentially prevented some serious health issues,” said Joseph Draganac, acting port director for the Port of Buffalo.
If you run afoul of U.S. Customs and had your property seized, call our office at (734) 855-4999 to speak to a lawyer, or e-mail us through our contact page. We are able to assist with cash seized by customs nationwide.