All year long, counterfeit consumer goods are an issue often heard of prior to major sporting events. However, it is most common and problematic before the holidays, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is because consumers order gifts online, unable to inspect the physical product prior to purchase, and retail and distributor importers often work with new suppliers who may not know they are buying counterfeits from overseas vendors.
CBP operates at ports of entry throughout the U.S., screening arriving passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, or other prohibited products, protecting U.S. safety and security. Counterfeit product is found in shipments as small as one item in one courier box or full ocean containers of merchandise.
On October 23, CBP officers in Boston seized three counterfeit Rolex watches and a counterfeit Richard Mille watch that originated in Hong Kong. The shipment was destined to an individual in the Boston area.
According to CBP’s press release, officers seized the shipment and worked with import specialists at CBPS’s Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) to decide if the watches were counterfeit. Had the watches not been counterfeit, they would have been valued at $923,000.
Counterfeit goods can threaten public health and safety, as well as national security. For tips for counterfeits, CPB has created an educational initiative that brings attention to the consequences and dangers associated with counterfeit goods.
Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign can be found here. CBP outlines the economic impacts, legal implications, and health and safety risks that pertain to buying counterfeit products.
For further information, please contact your Mohawk Global representative.