U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at the Port of Birmingham have intercepted a significant shipment of counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps, stopping them from entering postal circulation. The operation resulted in the seizure of 200,000 counterfeit stamps originating from Hong Kong, with an estimated retail value of $146,000.
During a routine inspection at a local sorting facility, CBP officers identified two packages for further scrutiny based on certain criteria. Although the stamps initially appeared authentic, further investigation revealed they were counterfeit and violated several Intellectual Property Right (IPR) laws.
Steve Robinson, CBP Birmingham Port Director, emphasized the importance of their mission: “Protecting America begins with the shared commitment and determination of dedicated CBP Officers, Agriculture Specialists, and support staff. Together, they play a vital role in safeguarding consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods. Economic security is national security.”
Counterfeiting remains a global issue, with China and Hong Kong accounting for approximately 90% of total CBP IPR seizures in FY24. The CBP continues its collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations agents and U.S. Postal Inspectors to prevent unlawful imports of counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps.
CBP's border security efforts are led by officers and agriculture specialists at Ports of Entry across the nation. Their duties include screening international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture products as well as invasive weeds and pests that could pose threats to public safety or economic stability.
For more information on CBP activities follow their social media updates on X (formerly Twitter) at @DFONewOrleans and @CBPSoutheast.
CBP is recognized as America's frontline defense; it is both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency comprising over 65,000 personnel committed to protecting America’s borders by land sea or air while facilitating lawful travel trade promoting economic prosperity enhancing national security through innovation intelligence collaboration trustworthiness
