Los Angeles CBP details record counterfeit merchandise seizures

Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel recently detailed record seizures of counterfeit and prohibited merchandise.

During Fiscal Year 2021, which spans from Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021, trade enforcement seizures increased by 24 percent and the overall value of the seizures rose by 652 percent over the previous year.

The record-breaking seizures, which included counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other items such as electronics, high fashion wearing apparel, footwear, and jewelry, were appraised at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $760,615,994 – a 652 percent increase from the prior year.

“The numbers show that the pandemic didn’t slow down smugglers from attempting to illegally introduce their products into the United States threatening the economy and the health and safety of the American consumer,” CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles Carlos C. Martel said. “These results reinforce CBP’s commitment to be America’s frontline.”

CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach Seaport Donald R. Kusser said he is proud of the daily work of CBP officers to protect American consumers and businesses.

“Their vigilance and dedication to the CBP mission has not wavered during these challenging times,” he said. “CBP officers worked tirelessly throughout the year and were highly successful at stopping transnational criminal organizations from exploiting and endangering consumers.”

Tips for protecting consumers from counterfeit goods can be found on StopFakes.gov.