U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Kinder Chocolate Eggs for Choking Hazards

Newark, N.J. – Kinder Eggs are a popular holiday treat; they are not only made of chocolate, but contain a toy surprise inside.  Unfortunately, that toy surprise can be a choking hazard, which is why a recent shipment was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

On November 6, CBP seized a shipment of Kinder Eggs shipped from Germany at the U.S Postal Service’s New Jersey Network Distribution Center (NJNDC) in Jersey City.  The Kinder Eggs contain small toy parts which violate the Small Parts Regulation issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  A total of 108 Kinder Eggs were seized with a domestic value of $216.00. 

Kinder Chocolate Eggs are banned for sale and import into the United States because they contain a toy surprise hidden inside, and pose a choking/aspiration hazard for children younger than three years of age.  The Kinder Eggs are hollow milk chocolate eggs, about the size of a large hen’s egg, usually packaged in a colorful foil wrapper.  The toy within the egg is contained in an oval-shaped plastic capsule.  The toy requires assembly and each egg contains a different toy.

“CBP would like to remind the traveling public, those wishing to send treats through the mail, and importers that the import of Kinder Eggs is prohibited,” said Robert E. Perez, director, field operations New York.

Additional information regarding unsafe toys and product recall announcements can be found at CPSC’s Web site.  CBP and CPSC work together to ensure the safety of imported goods by examining, sampling, and testing products that may present a hazard to consumers.

Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website for more information regarding what items travelers can legally bring into the United States.