Houston CBP seized nearly $4 million in counterfeit products at Bush Airport, including fake luxury brands and sports apparel.
HOUSTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport have seized nearly $4 million worth of counterfeit merchandise, including fake products bearing some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
CBP announced Friday that officers with the IAH Trade Enforcement Team intercepted counterfeit goods with a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $3.7 million.
The seized items included counterfeit:
– Jaguar Land Rover computer systems
Officials said the items violated intellectual property rights laws and were determined to be inauthentic by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise.
Most shipments came from China
According to CBP, most of the counterfeit shipments originated in China and were destined for locations both inside and outside the United States.
“Counterfeit goods are poor quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,” CBP Area Port Director Roderick Hudson said.
“CBP officers remain vigilant in protecting the American consumer and we are committed to stopping counterfeit smuggling. These interceptions combat the illicit actors and organized crime, and enforcement actions help protect communities from potentially hazardous knockoffs.”
Counterfeit goods remain a growing concern
CBP said handbags, wallets, apparel, footwear, watches, jewelry and consumer electronics are among the products most commonly counterfeited.
The agency warned that counterfeit versions of popular brands are frequently sold through online marketplaces and flea markets. Officials said the profits from counterfeit sales help fund organized crime, while consumers often unknowingly purchase products that are lower quality than expected.
How to spot counterfeit products
CBP said counterfeit products often show signs of inferior quality, including:
– Low-quality printing or packaging errors
– Poor or uneven stitching on clothing and handbags
– Incorrectly sized or designed logos
– Electronics with short battery life or overheating issues
Tips for online shoppers
With more people shopping online, CBP is encouraging consumers to take extra precautions before making a purchase.
– Buying directly from trademark holders or authorized retailers.
– Reading seller reviews before purchasing online.
– Confirming the seller has a working U.S. phone number and physical address.
– Being cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
CBP noted that more than 90% of counterfeit seizures occur in international mail and express shipping channels, where many small e-commerce packages enter the United States.
Consumers who suspect counterfeit goods can report them through CBP’s online e-Allegations portal or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.