More fakes, more seizures. The latest big catch by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) occurred at Chicago’s O’Hare airport on March 20, 2023. Two packages from Thailand held over 300 counterfeit items valued at over $400,000. That is, if they were genuine goods.
Among the items found were jewelry, watches, and accessories purporting to be from brands including Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Fendi. One package was heading to Texas; the other to Tennessee.
And this reminder from CBP:
Every year, CBP seizes millions of counterfeit goods from countries around the world as part of its mission to protect U.S. businesses and consumers. These goods include fake versions of popular products, such as smartphones and related accessories, electronics, apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and high-end luxury goods, as well as goods posing significant health and safety concerns, such as counterfeit pharmaceuticals, bicycle and motorcycle helmets, medical devices, supplements and other consumables. Sold online and in stores, counterfeit goods hurt the U.S. economy, cost Americans their jobs, threaten consumer health and safety, and fund criminal activity. Visit the National IPR Coordination Center for more information about IPR including counterfeiting and piracy.
Nationwide in Fiscal Year 2022, CBP seized over 24.5 million shipments of IPR violations that would have been worth just shy of $3 billion, had the goods been genuine. CBP has established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that are often associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods. Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/FakeGoodsRealDangers.
CBP encourages anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise illegally imported into the United States to submit an e-Allegation. The e-Allegation system provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods in the U.S.
Image courtesy: cbp.com
- Maura Carlin posted 1 year ago
