CBP hits trade transgression trifecta with seizures of counterfeit, unsafe, and fraudulently imported goods in Virginia

NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently seized five shipments that illustrate the wide scope of trade violations that officers encounter in Norfolk while inspecting imported consumer goods every day.

These violations covered counterfeit goods, goods determined to be potentially unsafe by consumer protection authorities, and goods imported using identity theft. Collectively, these goods were valued at nearly $856,000.

In the most recent seizure, CBP officers seized 697 cartons of short-sleeved and long-sleeved dry fit t-shirts on Tuesday that were being fraudulently imported from Morocco to Albany, N.Y., using a victim's stolen identity. The dry-fit t-shirts were valued at $61,240.

On Sept. 18, CBP officers seized a shipment of 1,500 rugs that the Consumer Product and Safety Commission determined violated the Flammable Fabrics Act. That shipment, which arrived from Turkey and was destined to Tustin, Calif., was valued at $3,720.

On Sept. 15, CBP officers also seized a shipment that contained 1,233 pieces of ceramic tiles, sound absorbing panels, garden pots, poker tables and accessories, and various Land Rover parts that were being fraudulently imported using a victim's stolen identity. That shipment, which originated in China and was destined to San Francisco, was valued at about $60,000.

On Sept. 9, CBP officers seized a shipment of 1,000 ceramic sinks for bearing counterfeit UPC Shield certifications. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the trademark holders, verified that the UPC shield and design mark were used without authorization. The sinks, which shipped from China and were destined to Atlanta, were valued at $45,000 had they been authentic.

On Sept. 3, CBP officers seized 1,176 rolls of carpet for bearing counterfeit OEKO-TEX labels. Representatives for OEKO-TEX, a global independent testing and certification system for textile and leather products, verified that the label was used without authorization. Additionally, the certification number printed on the carpet labels is expired. The carpet rolls were valued at $686,000 had they been authentic.

"These seizures illustrate Customs and Border Protection's expansive trade enforcement authority and its vital role in protecting American consumers, U.S. businesses, and our nation's economic security by detecting high-risk shipments, deterring noncompliance, and disrupting fraudulent behavior," said CBP Area Port Director Keri Brady, Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News. "CBP remains committed to combatting bad actors and transnational criminal organizations by depriving them of these illegal shipments and the illicit revenues they provide."

Read more about how CBP secures international trade and enforces U.S. laws to help protect consumers and ensure a fair and competitive trade environment for American workers and businesses.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation's Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, and other prohibited items that threaten public safety and our nation's economic vitality.

Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP's Baltimore Field Office on X @DFOBaltimore and CBP's Office of Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Enforcement
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Laws and Regulations
• Office of Field Operations
• Trade Enforcement