U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of counterfeit cigarettes valued over $729,000 at the Laredo Port of Entry. The counterfeit goods, originating from Vietnam, were initially held at Miami Seaport and later detained upon arriving in Laredo, Texas, in early March. A detailed examination by CBP officers and specialists identified 17,500 cartons with counterfeit marks. Legal procedures led to the seizure of the shipment on April 25. The genuine value of the cigarettes was estimated at $729,400.
Port Director Albert Flores from Laredo Port of Entry commented on the vigilance of CBP officers, stating, "Our CBP officers and import specialists continue to maintain their vigilance and exercise due diligence to ensure that fake goods do not enter U.S. commerce."
The commercial importation of cigarettes is managed by the Agriculture Center for Excellence and Expertise (CEE), which has a presence at the Laredo Port of Entry along with all other CEEs. CBP holds the authority to seize and destroy imported goods that bear infringing trademarks or copyrights, following the e-Recordation program. Other violations may include misclassification, incorrect country-of-origin labels, health and safety issues, and valuation discrepancies.
The trade in counterfeit goods poses risks to America's innovation economy, U.S. workers' livelihoods, and national security. It remains illegal to import counterfeit items, with potential fines for individuals found liable.
CBP encourages the public to report counterfeit goods via the E-Allegation tool, enabling anonymous reporting of trade law violations.
Further educational initiatives by CBP aim to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods through the "Truth Behind Counterfeits" campaign. Updates and information are available through CBP's social media channels, including the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection accounts.
CBP serves as America's frontline in law enforcement, with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting the nation on land, air, and sea. They facilitate legal travel and trade, contributing to national security and economic prosperity.
