Inspections of Toy Imports to Increase

Shannon Weidemann

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that it will be doing more inspections of toys at the nation's ports. The CPSC is working to reduce the number of dangerous toys that have been entering the United States. Last year saw a large number of toys recalled due to lead content. Lead when ingested can cause developmental and neurological problems.

Under the new initiatives, CPSC will begin to place full-time staff at some of the nation's busiest ports, such as Seattle. CPSC is being given access to real-time information and data from Customs officials about shipments bound for the U.S. so that CPSC staff can help pinpoint high-risk products.

CPSC also plans to boost port inspection of toys, fireworks, electrical products and other goods considered potentially high-risk, and will conduct a study of specific imports to help determine safety compliance.

The CPSC has been lobbying for more funding and power from Congress to increase the number of employees working on product safety and what they are able to do. The agency has faced criticism over the number of toys that were brought into the country and sold in stores and then were recalled.

If you would like to read more about product safety, please visit InjuryBoard's Defective & Dangerous Products information page.