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  4. CBP at JFK Seizes Counterfeit Apple Airpod Earbuds

CBP at JFK Seizes Counterfeit Apple Airpod Earbuds

Release Date
Fri, 09/11/2020

JAMAICA, N.Y. - On August 31, CBP officers seized 2,000 counterfeit Apple Airpod Earbuds from Hong Kong destined for Nevada at an air cargo facility located at John F. Kennedy International Airport. If the merchandise were genuine, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) would have been $398,000.

“CBP Officers are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis,” said Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. “The interception of these counterfeit earbuds is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP Officers daily.” 

Counterfeit Apple Airpod Earbuds seized.
Counterfeit Apple Airpod
Earbuds seized.

Nationwide in fiscal year (FY) 2019, CBP seized 27,599 shipments containing goods that violated intellectual property rights (IPR). The total estimated MSRP of the seized goods, had they been genuine, increased to nearly $1.5 billion from over $1.4 billion in FY 2018.

Seized at the Air Cargo facility at JFK Airport.
Seized at the Air Cargo
facility at JFK Airport.

Watches and jewelry topped the list for number of total seizures with 4,242 representing 15 percent of all seizures. Watches and jewelry remained at the top of the list of products seized by total MSRP value with seizures valued at over $687 million, representing 44 percent of the total MSRP value of seizures. Wearing apparel and accessories placed second by MSRP value with seizures estimated to be valued at more than $226 million.

Fiscal year 2019 Intellectual Property Rights Statistics

If you have any suspicion of or information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, please report the trade violation to e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. 

The enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights is a CBP Priority Trade Issue. Priority Trade Issues represent high-risk areas that can cause significant revenue loss, harm the U.S. economy, or threaten the health and safety of the American people. They drive the risk-informed investment of CBP resources as well as enforcement and facilitation efforts, including special enforcement operations, outreach, and regulatory initiatives.

Follow CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021