U.S. Customs Seizures in February: Cosmetics, Stamps, Sharpies, and More

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the frontline defense in preventing illegal and dangerous goods from entering the United States. Every day, CBP officers across the country work tirelessly to enforce regulations and seize violative shipments. These efforts help protect American consumers and businesses, ensuring that only safe and compliant products reach the U.S. market. February saw several major seizures—here are a few highlights.

Counterfeit High-End Cosmetics and Sharpie Pens Seized in Pennsylvania

CBP officers seized multiple shipments of counterfeit high-end cosmetics and consumer goods in Pennsylvania. Among the seizures were:

50 boxes of counterfeit Estee Lauder anti-aging cream shipped from China to Whitehall, valued at $7,000 if genuine.
50 boxes of counterfeit SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 cream and 50 boxes of counterfeit Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, both shipped from Hong Kong to Pennsylvania, valued at $7,750 and $5,400 respectively.
3,000 counterfeit Sharpie felt-tip pens, valued at $1,530, shipped from China to Birdsboro.

CBP’s trade experts confirmed these items were counterfeit, leading to their seizure. Counterfeit cosmetics pose serious health risks, while fake consumer goods harm businesses and consumers. This enforcement action highlights CBP’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and consumer safety.

$161K in Counterfeit U.S. Stamps Seized in Chicago

CBP officers at Chicago's International Mail Branch seized eight shipments containing a total of 161,860 counterfeit U.S. Forever stamps arriving from China. The counterfeit stamps, with a face value exceeding $118,000 if genuine, were identified by their poor print quality. This seizure highlights CBP's vigilance in protecting the U.S. economy from counterfeit goods.

200,000 Counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps Intercepted in Birmingham

CBP officers at the Port of Birmingham intercepted 200,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever stamps originating from Hong Kong, with a suggested retail price of $146,000. The counterfeit stamps were discovered during an operation at a local sorting facility and were seized for violating multiple Intellectual Property Rights laws. This seizure underscores CBP's commitment to safeguarding consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods.

Facing a CBP Seizure? We Can Help.

If your business is dealing with a CBP seizure, navigating the complex process can be overwhelming. We have extensive experience handling CBP related matters and can help you respond to enforcement actions, mitigate penalties, and prevent future issues. Our team is ready to guide you through each step to ensure compliance and protect your interests. Have questions? Give our office a call today at (917) 546-6997 or schedule an intake meeting, we would be happy to speak with you.

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