20,000 Chinese Thermoses Confiscated in Argentina

An estimated total of 300,000 dollars worth of thermoses from China were confiscated by Argentine customs authorities on November 1.
20,000 Chinese Thermoses Confiscated in Argentina
11/4/2008
Updated:
11/4/2008
BUENOS AIRES—An estimated total of one million pesos (USD $300,000) worth of thermoses from China were confiscated by Argentine customs authorities on November 1. The 20,000 units, labelled as toxic for human consumption, were taken out of circulation to be destroyed.

According to Diarios y Noticias, the stainless steel flasks contained excessive levels of magnesium, chrome, nickel, and possibly lead. Given the porosity of the material, the chemicals are able to slowly escape with repeated use.

According to custom authorities, the confiscated thermoses will not enter the market again, but will be destroyed to avoid being used. Further, the Customs Code stipulates a fine of five times the price of the merchandise for any party bringing products noxious to human health into the country.

Thermoses are highly popular in Argentina, and feature as important elements of the local tea culture. While the toxic thermoses would not have caused problems initially, with the passing of time and repeated usage, symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and vomiting may have appeared.