LOS ANGELES—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex seized 3,096 low-frequency massage devices containing electrical adapters with counterfeit Underwriters Laboratories (UL) markings.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent product safety certification organization that rigorously tests and evaluates products for potential risk of fire, shock, and/or personal injury. Products are not certified until they meet established standards. Products bearing counterfeit (UL) certification marks have not undergone such a testing and certification process, and can present potential safety hazards to the end user.
CBP officers discovered the infringing merchandise in a shipment arriving from China. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 129 cartons of low frequency massage units is $774,000 with a domestic value of $588,240.
“Preventing the entry of counterfeit items is crucial to protecting consumers as well as the economy of the United States,” said Carlos Martel, CBP acting director of field operations in Los Angeles.
The units—which are essentially electrical stimulator units used for muscle relaxation/stimulation, and are gaining acceptance for use in sexual stimulation—were being shipped to Hi-Dow International Inc.
According to the company’s website, “Hi-Dow International imports all of its products directly from manufacturers in China. They are manufacturing factories with stringent quality control, advanced production technology, and low cost of labor. To introduce its products to the North America market, Hi-Dow International set up a marketing development center in the USA.”
“Some of the products we import and sell are: lamps, faucets, cable connectors, refrigerators, folding chairs, bamboo products, sportswear, hats, towels, wood furniture, locks, crystal, etc.,” the website also stated.
CBP officials said the massage devices seized will likely be destroyed.
In Fiscal Year 2009, electrical articles presenting potential safety or security risks, with an estimated domestic value of $4.3 million, represented 13 percent of all commodities seized by CBP.
