U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized four shipments of counterfeit cosmetics in Allentown, Pennsylvania, valued at $28,550 if they had been genuine. The seizures included counterfeit Estee Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Moisturizer Tri-Peptide Face and Neck Crème from Hong Kong and other anti-aging creams from China.
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center warns that counterfeit cosmetics may contain harmful chemicals causing cancer, acne, eczema, and other health issues. Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area port of Philadelphia, stated: “The global marketplace has allowed unscrupulous vendors to peddle counterfeit consumer goods as authentic products to unsuspecting consumers, and profit handsomely while placing consumers’ health and safety at risk.”
Additionally, 3,000 counterfeit Sharpie felt tip pens were seized in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. The total value of these items was estimated at $1,530 if genuine.
CBP officers suspected the shipments were counterfeit and detained them for analysis by CBP’s trade experts at the Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE). The experts confirmed the items were fake after consulting with trademark holders.
The international trade in counterfeit goods is illegal as it impacts trademark holders' revenues and government tax revenues while potentially funding criminal organizations. CBP enforces an Intellectual Property Rights program to protect businesses and consumers from such threats.
For more information on the dangers associated with purchasing counterfeit goods or to report tips on illegal imports into the United States anonymously visit CBP's website.