U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville reported a significant seizure of counterfeit designer jewelry throughout January. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 28 shipments with an estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) exceeding $975,000 each, had the items been genuine.
The shipments originated primarily from China and Hong Kong and were destined for various locations across the United States. They contained counterfeit designer watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. CBP's Centers of Excellence and Expertise inspected these items and confirmed them as counterfeit due to trademark infringement. The combined MSRP value of these goods would have been nearly $27.5 million if they were authentic.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office, emphasized the impact of counterfeit goods: “Counterfeit goods are poor quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues.” She affirmed the commitment of CBP officers to combat smuggling operations that profit organized crime.
Jewelry has been among the top commodities seized for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringement over the past three years, followed by watches and handbags/wallets. China and Hong Kong remain leading sources for such seizures, accounting for about 90% in Fiscal Year 2024.
Philip Onken, Louisville’s Port Director, highlighted the skills of CBP officers: “Our officers are highly skilled at identifying packages that represent a higher level of risk through visual examination.”
Counterfeit trade poses threats to America’s innovation economy and consumer safety. CBP continues to target imports violating IPR regulations to protect national security and economic interests.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing products online to avoid counterfeits which can pose real dangers. For further information on avoiding counterfeit purchases, consumers can visit The Truth Behind Counterfeits page.
CBP encourages following their activities on Twitter @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago or visiting their YouTube channel for insights into how they secure national borders.
CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization tasked with border management responsibilities involving over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding lawful travel and trade while ensuring national security.
