$1.6 million in counterfeit hoverboards seized in Charleston

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized $1.6 million in potentially hazardous counterfeit hoverboards, according to officials.

Officials said officers seized two shipments containing 2,380 counterfeit hoverboards because they violated trademark protections and posed a potential health risk to U.S. consumers.

The hoverboards – self-balancing, two-wheeled motorized platforms – were one of 2015’s most popular gift items, but officials said major safety concerns have surfaced following reports of fires possibly caused by substandard and counterfeit lithium ion batteries with some hoverboards.

“Enforcing product safety laws and protecting intellectual property rights is a top priority for Customs and Border Protection,” said Anthony Acrey, CBP’s Acting Area Port Director for the Port of Charleston. “By seizing untested and potentially hazardous products at our nation's borders, CBP officers protect the American consumer and contribute to keeping our communities safe beyond the holiday season."

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "$1.6 million in counterfeit hoverboards seized in Charleston."