Over the past two months, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the ports of Rochester and Buffalo intercepted multiple shipments containing counterfeit luxury items. Officers identified and seized watches mimicking Rolex trademarks and various jewelry items that bore counterfeit markings. The total value of the seized counterfeit goods surpassed $125,000. The counterfeit Rolex watches alone would have been worth about $82,000 if authentic. These seizures showcase CBP's commitment to protecting American consumers and brand owners from counterfeit goods that can undermine legitimate businesses and potentially pose safety or quality risks. The operation affects importers, retailers, and consumers by... [Continue Reading]
On February 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati seized a shipment of 12 counterfeit luxury watches shipped from Colombia. The parcel was en route to a residence in Los Angeles when intercepted. These watches falsely bore the trademarks of renowned brands including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Tissot, and Invicta. If genuine, the retail value of the seized watches would top $279,000. The discovery underlines the rising challenge of counterfeit goods being shipped through increasing e-commerce channels. CBP's specialized trade experts determined the items to be counterfeit, protecting authentic brand integrity and preventing potential consumer harm. The... [Continue Reading]