Officials: Beware of dangerous holiday toy imports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are reminding parents this holiday season to beware of imported toys that may either be dangerous to children or in violation of copyright laws (12/24 Miami AP for FindLaw). Although customs officials intercept many dangerous and illegal products, some inevitably get on the market unnoticed and an influx of imported toys occurs for the holiday season. Last year, 1,000 shipments of products were seized, the majority of which came from China.

Items commonly intercepted include, “black toy guns that could be easily confused for real firearms, yellow toy ducks with lead paint and bright green, frog-shaped lighters without safety mechanisms.”

As a Chicago attorney with experience in products liability related personal injuries, I too urge all consumers to purchase products carefully, especially during the hectic holiday season and first of the year sales.