DHS issues recommendations to combat illicit trade

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a series of recommendations to the federal government and industry personnel as a means of combating illicit trade.

The guidelines stem from President Donald Trump’s April 3, 2019, Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods.

“The President’s historic Memorandum provides a much warranted and long overdue call to action in the U.S. Government’s fight against a massive form of illicit trade that is inflicting significant harm on the American homeland,” DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said. “The counterfeiting and pirating of goods must be stopped in its tracks, and DHS is leading the way in protecting both consumers and businesses.”

The 11 recommendations include guidance ensuring entities with financial interests in imports bear responsibility; increased scrutiny of Section 321 Environment; application of civil fines, penalties and injunctive actions for violative imported products; and the creation of a modernized E-Commerce enforcement framework.

ICE and CBP aided the effort to develop the recommendations, which focused on protecting businesses and consumers against counterfeits and pirated goods. Partnerships have been formed in more than 100 countries, per authorities.

“As with many of our joint investigative priorities, an informed public adds greater strength to our daily efforts to deny transnational criminal organizations the essential payday they need to carry out additional criminal activity,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Matthew T. Albence said. “When it comes to public safety and the security of our nation, we can never have too many partners.”