On November 9, 2021. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned in Los Angeles, CA intercepted 13,586 counterfeit designer products arriving in a containerized cargo shipment from China.
Customs and Border Protection officers discovered handbags, tote bags, shoulder bags, crossbody bags, backpacks, shirts, and pants bearing numerous registered and recorded trademarks, such as Gucci, Chanel, Fendi, Prada, YSL and Louis Vuitton.
If genuine, the seized merchandise would have a combined estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30 million.
Substantial law enforcement resources are needed to keep counterfeit and pirated goods out of U.S. supply chains, markets, and streets.
Historically, counterfeit products have been sold on illegitimate websites and in underground outlets. The rise of e-commerce offers a haven for criminals who are now able to hide behind seemingly legitimate listings on well-known websites.
Counterfeit goods are often of poor quality and can even be unsafe for you and your family. Counterfeit apparel, footwear, and handbags are often of inferior quality and may feature poor or uneven stitching, fragile fabrics, and improperly sized or designed logos. Peeling labels, low-quality ink or printing errors on the packaging are also signs that products may not be legitimate.
Consumers can take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:
Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and address that can be used to contact the seller.
Counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of businesses, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers.
