ROCHESTER: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations at the Port of Rochester announced today that officers have made over 350 seizures in the past six months, valued at more than $1 million.Rochester CBP Seizes More Than $1 Million in Counterfeit Merchandise
“Our officers and import specialists have done an excellent job targeting shipments and identifying counterfeit items,” said Acting Director Rose Hilmey of the Buffalo Field Office. “CBP protects businesses and consumers every day with an aggressive intellectual property rights enforcement program.”
A wide range of counterfeit products were seized, including counterfeit sports jerseys, clothing, gaming system accessories, purses and bags, vehicle airbags, sunglasses, and perfume. Products infringed on brands including Chanel, Michael Kors, Adidas, Oakley, NFL, NHL, MLB, Gucci, along with others.
Rochester CBP Seizes More Than $1 Million in Counterfeit MerchandiseIn February 2016, The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 was signed into law which highlighted IPR as a priority trade initiative.
Products that infringe on U.S. trademarks, copyrights, and patents threaten the health and safety of American consumers, the economy, and national security. CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations continue IPR enforcement against illicit imports.
“Criminal groups involved in the distribution of these inferior products are stealing from Americans and harming legitimate businesses— not to mention putting the consumer’s health and safety at great risk,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge James Spero of the Buffalo Office. “Working side-by-side with CBP, we can continue to disrupt the flow of counterfeit goods entering into the marketplace and protect American consumers and brand holders.”
If you have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S., CBP encourages you to submit an E-Allegation. The E-Allegation provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods into the U.S.
Violations may include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, valuation issues, and intellectual property rights. To submit your trade allegation, please visit E-Allegation.
