CBP Enforcement Watch: Recent U.S. Counterfeit Seizures & IP Enforcement
Recent weeks have seen a surge in CBP intellectual-property enforcement actions targeting counterfeit watches, jewelry, and handbags, with seized goods totaling tens of millions in estimated retail value.
Counterfeit Watches and Shoes From South Korea Top $9 Million
CBP officers seized a shipment of counterfeit watches and shoes originating from South Korea with an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price of $9.3 million. The seizure underscores CBP's continued focus on inbound cargo from East Asia and serves as a reminder that exporters and importers dealing in branded consumer goods must ensure their supply chains are free of IP-infringing merchandise. Separate enforcement actions in Indianapolis netted $3.7 million in counterfeit jewelry and handbags, while another shipment of counterfeit jewelry and handbags valued at nearly $4 million was intercepted elsewhere. A New York woman was also arrested in connection with a counterfeit watch operation, signaling that CBP is pursuing both shipments and the domestic networks behind them.
Counterfeit Jewelry Seizures Signal Broader Enforcement Pattern
In addition to the major watch and handbag seizures, CBP intercepted a separate consignment described as a 'smorgasbord' of counterfeit jewelry valued at over $3 million. Taken together, the recent IP-related seizures reported in this cycle exceed $20 million in estimated retail value. Importers and freight forwarders should be aware that CBP is clearly prioritizing accessories and luxury goods categories. Companies involved in legitimate trade of branded merchandise should ensure proper licensing documentation is readily available and that vendor due diligence procedures are robust.
Khat Seizures Surge at East Coast Airports
While not an IP matter, a dramatic wave of khat (also known as miraa or Abyssinian tea) seizures at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Dulles, and BWI airports is notable for the enforcement resources CBP is deploying at air cargo and passenger terminals. Over 4,000 pounds were seized in a single Atlanta operation, with cumulative Dulles seizures reaching thousands of pounds across multiple busts. For exporters, the heightened screening activity at these hubs may result in longer inspection times for all inbound shipments, including legitimate commercial cargo.
Practical Takeaways for Exporters and Importers
Businesses should take three immediate steps: (1) Audit supply chains for any goods that could be flagged as counterfeit, ensuring all brand authorizations and licenses are current and accessible; (2) Register trademarks and copyrights with CBP's Intellectual Property Rights e-Recordation system if not already done, which aids both enforcement and the clearance of legitimate goods; (3) Anticipate potential processing delays at major ports of entry, particularly Atlanta, Dulles, Indianapolis, and New York-area facilities, where CBP is visibly intensifying inspections across multiple enforcement categories.
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