For many products imported into the U.S., "there are no mandatory safety standards," according to ChinaImportal, an agency specializing in compliance issues.

Remember when hoverboards were catching fire in 2015? Amazon banned all boards that didn't use UL-certified batteries. In fact, almost no hoverboard manufacturers (at that time) met the basic safety standards upheld by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories.

Manufacturers who apply for third-party certifications allow underwriters to audit production facilities and products. This commitment to accountability doesn't come cheaply. Certifying a single product can cost more than $10,000 and some of these compliance costs are passed along to consumers. However, the premium is often justified.

Look at enough online reviews and you’ll see phrases like "melted plastic," “smell smoke” or "caught fire" (with photos to prove these claims). Third-party testing labs exist to minimize these types of risks.

If It Touches Foods or Liquids, Look for NSF-Certification