Flood of Chinese e-commerce goods into U.S. raises safety concerns

WASHINGTON -- The ability of the U.S. to enforce product safety standards is being strained by the huge number of goods shipped directly to American consumers from factories in China, a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) official said Friday, as some lawmakers urge an end to customs exemptions for low-value packages from abroad.

"The bottom line is that we have many goods coming from China, about which CPSC receives limited data. That, coupled with the volume of imports, and limited staff at major entry points presents significant challenges to CPSC and our ability to stop dangerous products before they enter the stream of commerce," said James Joholske, director of the Office of Import Surveillance said at a U.S.-China Economic Security and Review Commission (USCC) hearing.