INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — In two separate incidents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the International Falls Port of Entry targeted a pair of rail containers prior to their arrival in Ranier that resulted in the seizure of counterfeit items and toys containing prohibited levels of lead.
Port of Entry seized toys that contained
excessive amounts of lead.
The first incident began in July when CBP officers inspected one of the rail containers and discovered merchandise suspected of having lead levels exceeding the acceptable threshold.
Laboratory examination of the toys revealed excessive levels of lead. As a result, CBP seized 2,459 die cast transporter carry cases on Sept. 7.
The second targeted container was inspected in August. In that container, CBP officers discovered 5,460 fashion dolls bearing copyright protected markings that violate intellectual property rights regulations. As a result, CBP seized those items Sept. 10. The counterfeit dolls have an aggregate manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $139,145.
“CBP is focused on identifying and intercepting counterfeit merchandise and products as well as products that violate consumer safety standards,” said Anthony Jackson, International Falls Port Director. “The enforcement of trade laws at U.S. ports of entry remains a high priority for us.”
Port of Entry recently seized dolls that
violated intellectual property rights.
Stopping the flow of illicit goods is a priority trade issue for CBP. The importation of counterfeit merchandise can damage the U.S. economy and threaten the health and safety of the American people. For more information on CBP’s IPR priority trade issue visit: CBP Trade and IPR.
With the growth of foreign trade, unscrupulous companies have profited billions of dollars from the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods. To combat the illicit trade of merchandise violating laws relating to IPR, trademark and copyright holders may register with CBP through an online system. Such registration assists CBP officers and import specialists in identifying merchandise that violate U.S. law.
CBP’s IPR enforcement strategy is multi-layered and includes seizing illegal merchandise at our borders, pushing the border “outward” through audits of suspect importers, cooperating with our international trading partners, and collaborating with industry and governmental agencies to enhance these efforts.