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CBP intercepts $9.3M in counterfeit designer merchandise

Release Date
Mon, 11/09/2020

Counterfeiters stocking up ahead of holiday  shopping  season

DALLAS – The largest holiday shopping season is underway and counterfeiters are eager to fool U.S. consumers into purchasing goods. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Dallas Fort Worth port of entry intercepted a shipment of counterfeit footwear, handbags, and textiles worth over $9.3 million dollars.

Counterfeit handbag
CBP officers seized counterfeit merchandise valued at $9.3 million.

 This shipment of counterfeit designer merchandise originated in China and was destined for McKinney, Texas.

“Criminal organizations are well aware that consumers will be shopping online for the best deals this holiday season,” said Timothy M. Lemaux, Port Director, Area Port of Dallas. “Our officers will take every opportunity to protect the American consumer and we caution those consumers that if an online deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”

CBP officers experience led them to perform  a thorough examination of the shipment of 148 boxes manifested as “Ladies Sweater Ladies Sweatpants”.  That exam  yielded a treasure trove of poorly packaged footwear, handbags and textiles bearing protected trademarks such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas Yeezy designer footwear line.  Officers suspected that the imported merchandise may have been counterfeit due to its poor quality of workmanship, packaging inconsistent with genuine merchandise, and previous experience with similar products.

CBP  worked in cooperation with Consumer Products and Mass Merchandise, Centers for Excellence and Expertise Import Division, determined that the items were in-fact counterfeit and infringing on protected trademarks. CBP provided the importer an opportunity to provide documentation of applicable licenses or agreements permitting the use of those registered trademarks prior to the seizure.

In fiscal year 20, CBP processed $2.4 trillion in imports, ensuring that goods coming into the country are safe and legal.  By the end of the last fiscal year, CBP recorded more than 23,700 seizures of counterfeit goods, with an estimated value of $1.2 billion. Visit the National IPR Coordination Center for more information about IPR including counterfeiting and piracy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Aug 31, 2021