Wednesday, July 27, 2016

HOVERBOARD RECALLS DUE TO EXPLOSIONS


Exploding hoverboard








Back in January, we addressed Ongoing Hoverboard concerns and numerous CBP seizure cases. Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced ten companies have recalled about half a million self-balancing scooters/hoverboards made in China. However, the recall isn’t because of the countless risks hoverboards pose to unwary riders, instead it is because the lithium-ion battery packs in these products can overheat, creating a risk that the hoverboards will start to smoke, catch fire and/or explode. The list of the ten firms is here. Below are the models impacted:
What is Underwriters Laboratories and Why are They Involved?
  • Have you ever wondered what the UL on most of the electronic products stands for? It stands for Underwriters Laboratories. From light bulbs to computer components, UL is a global independent safety company with more than a century of expertise innovating safety solutions ... UL helps safeguard people, products and places in important ways, facilitating trade and providing peace of mind. Bottom line - when you see the UL trademark, you are able to ensure your product is safe, as UL has tested it (unless that trademark is a counterfeit). You can be certain counterfeit UL trademarks are heavily monitored by CBP, and do lead to seizure cases. For more information about Pre-Compliance and how to know if you're being duped, PRIOR to importation, read more here. If your goods are seized, based upon an allegation of being counterfeit, see more information on the process here.
 The problem:
  • According to the CSPC statement released on July 6, 2016, homes and apartments have been destroyed because of fires related to hazardous hoverboards. More than $2 million in property damages has occurred in more than 20 states. The CSPC Chairman stated all of the hoverboard models being recalled were made with fundamental design flaws that put people at real risk. They were made and sold without a safety standard in place. The CSPC warns not to use a hoverboard that does not meet UL’s electrical safety requirements for products safety (UL 2272).
The solution:
  • A new certification for next generation hoverboards has been put into place - UL 2272. This standard evaluates the safety of the electrical drive train system and battery and charger system combinations.
  • Ensure your PRE-COMPLIANCE system is in place (PRIOR to importation).
  • Vet your supplier.
  • Ensure your hoverboard is UL certified. Request labels prior to importation. Look for the UL Mark on the packaging and the UL holographic certification label with the Enhanced Mark on the bottom of the product.
  • Work with experts to assist you in performing a due diligence search of your business partners, and compliance of your product labels, prior to finalizing your order - or at the very least, prior to importing.
For help on this topic, or any import issue, contact us for a consultation today at info@diaztradelaw.com, or 305-456-3830.

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