U.S. Customs seizes another $30 million worth of counterfeit products

U.S. Customs officials intercepted 13,586 counterfeit products originating from China at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport , including handbags, shoulder bags, crossbody bags, shirts and pants , printed with brand names such as Gucci, Chanel, Fendi, YSL and Louis Vuitton .

It is reported that CBP officials , in cooperation with agents from the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), seized the goods on November 9, 2021. If they are genuine, the total value of the seized goods will exceed 30 million U.S. dollars.

Carlos C. Martel, director of field operations in Los Angeles , said CBP officers remain focused on combating these smuggling activities and working to keep counterfeit and pirated goods out of U.S. supply chains and markets.

Illegal websites and underground shops have long sold counterfeit and substandard products, but the rise of e-commerce has provided a safe haven for criminals . The sale of counterfeit goods multiplies the illegal profits of smugglers and traffickers, who in turn reinvest the proceeds in other criminal activities, and the cycle continues .

Donald R. Kusser, Port Director of the Port of Los Angeles /Long Beach, mentioned that criminals sell counterfeit and unsafe goods through online platforms, especially during the holiday shopping season . If the price of the goods looks too good to be true, it is likely a counterfeit product . Counterfeit goods are of poor quality and are not safe for shoppers and their families.

He also mentioned that consumers can take steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:

Ø Purchase the product directly from the trademark owner or an authorized retailer ;

When shopping online , read seller reviews and check for a valid U.S. phone number and address that can be used to contact the seller ;

Ø Review CBP’s Consumer E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide ;

Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten America’s innovative economy , the competitiveness of our businesses, and in some cases, consumer health and even national security .

It is understood that in order to prevent the import of illegal goods and protect American consumers and businesses, CBP has carried out a series of active and dynamic intellectual property enforcement activities . In fiscal year 2020, U.S. CBP personnel seized 26,503 shipments containing counterfeit goods nationwide, with an estimated value of nearly $1.3 billion.

operations

Cross-border e-commerce fraud