U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Indianapolis express consignment facility seized six shipments containing unauthorized cosmetic injectables, including 450 units of Botox, six boxes of Maxy Fill body filler injectables, and five counterfeit Onabotulintoxin products with an estimated value exceeding $30,000, according to a Mar. 13 announcement.
The shipments originated from South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines and were destined for residences in New York, Maryland, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. None of the packages included required licenses or prescriptions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed the shipments and determined they violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they were misbranded consumer goods imported by unauthorized agents.
Cosmetic injectables are regulated by the FDA to ensure safety when administered by licensed professionals. Unapproved or counterfeit products may contain unknown ingredients that could pose health risks to consumers.
"Purchasing unapproved injectables, and cosmetic fillers is a health and safety risk," said Indianapolis Port Director Brett Mueller. "Cheaper is not always better, especially when it concerns your family’s health and welfare. The officers in Indianapolis diligently work to intercept illegal shipments and to ensure the safety of the American people."
CBP works closely with the FDA to prevent illegal medications and beauty products from entering the country. The agency recommends that consumers buy cosmetic products only from reputable sources and have them administered by trained professionals.
CBP enforces laws on behalf of partner agencies like the FDA to protect citizens from illicit goods. Consumers are encouraged to confirm that their purchases comply with all regulations before importing them into the United States.
