Consumer goods shipped directly from overseas are risky because they generally do not get inspected by any regulatory agency (Nov 2024) Article 

Michael Harrop

Michael Harrop

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https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/trouble-in-toyland-2024-unsafe-toys-that-slip-through-border/

Toys and other imported products slip through regulation in two key ways:
  • Online sales, with packages mailed directly to consumers.
  • Shipments that arrive at the ports but their shippers claim the crates or containers are of such low value that they don’t warrant paperwork or inspection and aren’t subject to duties or taxes. These shipments may be on their way to warehouses for traditional or online U.S.-based sellers. The low-value shipments are called de minimis.
In both cases, the items often don’t meet U.S. standards. Once the products arrive at your home or in the warehouse of an online seller, if regulators find out about any dangers – from consumers, retailers or their own investigators – they often are powerless to stop the online sales or take the sellers to court to pursue recalls.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued violation notices about similar wooden toddler toys also shipped from overseas because they don’t comply with U.S. safety requirements. Does this toy contain lead or other toxics? Could small parts break off and choke a child? Was it even tested?

All children’s products require certification from a third party. Unfortunately, some overseas companies lie about the contents of their shipments. They may say a shipment contains household goods, when it actually contains toys. Low-value household goods wouldn’t require the same paperwork.

“There’s no safety testing on these products,” Cowles said. “It’s illegal.” But families usually have no idea about this, she said.

Regulators and lawmakers already concerned about overseas direct-to-consumer purchases have a new player to watch: Online giant Amazon on Nov. 13 announced a new venture, “Amazon Haul,” which the company says will offer “crazy low prices.” Purchases will ship directly to consumers from a warehouse in China.
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“Amazon screens the products sellers offer in Haul,” the company said in its announcement, adding that all products will be screened “so customers can be confident they’ll receive products that are safe, authentic, and compliant with applicable regulations.”
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This is nonsense because Amazon already doesn't police their products.
 
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