CINCINNATI— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at a Cincinnati express consignment facility recently seized multiple shipments of counterfeit Botox injections. The shipments, manifested as “leggings” and “facial gift,” were coming from Shenzhen, China, and were destined to private residences in Alabama, Texas, and Utah.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cannot be imported into the U.S. without proper documentation. The FDA has issued an import alert detailing which pharmaceutical companies produce legitimate botulinum toxin products and how these products can legally be imported into the U.S.
“Illegal supply chains try to exploit online retail portals and the international mail and express consignment environments by shipping to individual consumers who may be unaware of proper import requirements,” said Assistant Area Port Director Eugene Matho. “However, CBP will take all appropriate actions necessary to protect the health and safety of American consumers.”
CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with any state and federal import regulations.
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.