U.S. consumer protection agency to inspect products at ports
(03-05) 10:57 PST Long Beach, Calif. (AP) —
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says it will begin deploying inspectors at U.S. ports to screen toys and other imports for potential safety hazards.
The new import surveillance division announced Wednesday will test selected products for unsafe levels of lead, loose parts that could pose a choking risk to children and faulty wiring on electric components.
Previously, U.S. Customs agents, who already inspect cargo for other threats, would conduct safety tests but only at the request of the commission. The new unit will work with U.S. Customs agents.
The initiative follows the recall last fall of millions of toys Д most from China Д because of lead or other hazards.
Initially, the agency will only have inspectors at the Port of Long Beach.
___
On the Net:
