WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would like to remind the public that popular treats known as Kinder Chocolate Eggs are banned from importation into the United States because the unassembled small toy "surprise" inside poses a choking hazard for young children. Since 2010, CBP has made more than 3,176 seizures of Kinder Chocolate Eggs at international mail and express delivery facilities, in incoming commercial shipments, and from individual travelers entering the United States at airports and border ports.
"This is an excellent example of our efforts to protect children from dangerous and potentially life-threatening toys," said CBP Chief Operating Officer Thomas S. Winkowski. "As the agency charged with protecting the nation's borders, CBP collaborates with other agencies to ensure the public health and safety of the American people so children can enjoy holidays such as Easter."
Kinder Chocolate Eggs are hollow milk chocolate eggs that are usually packaged in a colorful foil wrapper. Inside each egg is an oval plastic capsule that contains a different unassembled small toy. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that Kinder Chocolate Eggs violate small parts regulations for children under three. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously issued an import alert for Kinder Chocolate Eggs, since they are a non-nutritive confectionery product with an object imbedded in it.
Additional information regarding unsafe toys and product recall announcements can be found at CPSC's website. Travelers are also 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.
The CTAC combines resources and personnel from various government agencies to protect the American public from harm caused by unsafe imported products. For additional information on the CTAC, please visit their webisite.