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U.S Customs intercept over 2,400 unsafe hairdryers at LA/LB Seaport

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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 hairdryers 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.

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

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

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% of all seizures, followed by consumer electronics seizures, 17%; pharmaceuticals, 15%; sunglasses/eyewear, 14%; and personal care, 8%.

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 Systemor by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.