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  4. CBP at JFK seizes Counterfeit Hoverboards with Potentially Dangerous Batteries

CBP at JFK seizes Counterfeit Hoverboards with Potentially Dangerous Batteries

Release Date
Fri, 02/19/2016

JAMAICA, N.Y. — In the movie ‘Back to the Future II’ Marty McFly used a hoverboard to defeat his rival Biff.  Lucky for Marty he did not have a potentially dangerous hoverboard like those that were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers and import specialists at John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

CBP JFK seizes counterfeit Hoverboards with potentially dangerous batteries

CBP JFK seizes counterfeit Hoverboards with potentially dangerous batteries

CBP seized 1,378 hoverboards with counterfeit and potentially dangerous batteries during the month of December 2015. If genuine, the hoverboards, which were made in China, would have had a total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price value of about $447,000.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is examining hoverboard fires across the country, and offers buying and safety tips. Consumers may also report incidents to CPSC via www.SaferProducts.gov

CBP is partnering with CPSC and other Federal regulatory agencies on this issue.

“CBP officers and import specialists are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.  “The interception of these potentially dangerous hoverboards is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP officers and import specialists daily.” 

Hoverboards, self-balancing, two-wheeled, motorized platforms, were very popular during this past holiday season with thousands being sold in stores and on-line. However, recent reports of fires possibly caused by counterfeit batteries used to power some hoverboards have led to major safety concerns.

If you are aware of, or suspect, a company or individual of infringing upon a trademark or copyright, please report the suspected violation to e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.

Intellectual Property Rights (“IPR”) enforcement is a CBP Priority Trade Issue.  Learn more about CBP at CBP.gov.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers buying and safety tips. Consumers may also report incidents to CPSC via www.SaferProducts.gov. CBP is partnering with CPSC and other Federal regulatory agencies on this issue.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021