INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.–U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the International Falls Port of Entry targeted a rail container destined to arrive in Ranier, Minnesota.
CBP officers inspected the rail container and discovered dolls in violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations.
Last month, CBP seized 3,552 dolls with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $70,969 if the goods had been genuine.
“CBP is focused on identifying and intercepting counterfeit merchandise and products. The enforcement of trade laws at U.S. ports of entry remains a high priority for us,” said Anthony Jackson, International Falls Port Director.
“Counterfeiting adversely affects the ability of lawful copyright holders to profit from their original ideas. Counterfeiting also harms consumers because manufacturers of forged products have little motivation to use safe, high-quality materials in their products.”
Stopping the flow of illicit goods is a priority trade issue for CBP.
The importation of counterfeit merchandise can damage the U.S. economy and threaten the health and safety of the American people.
With the growth of foreign trade, unscrupulous companies have profited billions of dollars from the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods. CBP’s enforcement strategy is multi-layered and includes seizing illegal merchandise at our borders, pushing the border “outward” through audits of suspect importers, cooperating with our international trading partners, and collaborating with industry and governmental agencies to enhance these efforts.
CBP has established an educational initiative at U.S. international airports and online to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that can be associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods.
These include the loss of American jobs, support of criminal activity, significant risks to consumer health and safety, and the impacts of unknowingly purchasing counterfeits online.
