CBP seizes over 16,000 counterfeit hoverboards

The hoverboards, which were seized by United States Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago, Ill., arrived from China via air shipments and ocean containers.    United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 16,000 counterfeit hoverboards in Chicago, Ill., which had an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of over $6 million, CBP said.
   A CBP spokesperson told American Shipper the hoverboards arrived from China via air shipments and ocean containers.
   The self-balancing scooters contained unauthorized batteries and fake trademark logos, CBP said.
   In the coming weeks, the final seizure total is projected to significantly increase as a result of the massive amount of shipments still being processed.
   Hoverboard safety concerns have developed following reports on fires, possibly caused by substandard and counterfeit lithium ion batteries within some hoverboards. In December, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a safety alert for the transportation of hoverboards that contain lithium batteries. These batteries can put a vessel or airplane at risk if not shipped according to hazmat safety requirements.
   “Not only are these hoverboards a serious safety hazard, but they also threaten our economic security by hurting legitimate businesses who invest significant amounts of resources into development and protection of their brands,” U.S. CBP Director of Field Operations William Ferrara said in a statement.