NORFOLK, VA— Over an estimated $2 million worth of counterfeit designer clothes was seized in Norfolk.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Port of Norfolk seized designer dresses and shawls that they say are estimated to be worth more than $2 million dollars, due to trademark violations.
In April, a shipment of clothing destined for Ohio was detained that had contents of counterfeit dresses, shawls, and women's slips.
A total of 1,120 garments that used Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple trademarks, were seized by CBP.
CBP Trade specialist at the Consumer Products Mass Merchandising Center says they determined that the counterfeit clothing if real was worth $2,372,490.00
"CBP is charged with enforcing trade laws, and we continue to devote substantial resources to target, intercept, detain, seize and forfeit shipments of goods that violate these laws," said Mark J Laria, CBP Area Port Director, Norfolk, VA.
According to CBP data, handbags, wallets, apparel, footwear, watches, jewelry, and consumer electronics are at higher risk of being counterfeited. Counterfeit versions of popular brands are regularly sold in online marketplaces and flea markets.
Consumers can take the following steps to help protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:
- Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
- When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
- Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
- Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Play it safe and buy mom the real deal for her special day
