Cost-conscious consumers have discovered the convenience, low prices, and enormous selection offered by overseas-based websites on a myriad of products, including toys.
“It’s not about where the products are made; all toys are supposed to comply with the same safety standards when they come to this country,” said Joan Lawrence, senior vice president for standards and regulatory affairs at the. “What we’re concerned about are these unscrupulous sellers online who are managing to get products in that don’t comply with those important safety standards.”Toys sold by overseas websites are often shipped directly to consumers, so they are not inspected by U.S.
Amazon Haul promises “crazy low prices” with all products selling for $20 or less, with most under $10. Orders ship directly to consumers from China., Amazon promised to sell “trustworthy” products protected by its A-to-Z guarantee. The company said it “screens the products sellers offer on Haul so customers can be confident they’ll receive products that are safe, authentic, and compliant with applicable regulations.
When a shipment arrives at the port and the shipper claims it’s worth less than $800 , that cargo does not require any paperwork or inspection, and the goods are not subject to duties or taxes. The packages in these bulk shipments that avoid inspection may be sent to consumers from a U.S. address, making it seem like the toys came from America.