CBP Officers in International Falls seize counterfeit Apple AirPods valued at more than $800,000

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the International Falls Port of Entry targeted a rail container destined to arrive in Ranier, Minnesota.  CBP officers inspected the rail container and discovered counterfeit Apple AirPods that were in violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations.

CBP seized 384 pair of the counterfeit AirPods on Oct. 12 with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $813,216 if the goods had been genuine. 

“CBP is focused on identifying and intercepting counterfeit merchandise and products. The enforcement of trade laws at U.S. ports of entry remains a high priority for us,” said Anthony Jackson, International Falls Port Director. “Counterfeiting adversely affects the ability of lawful copyright holders to profit from their original ideas. Counterfeiting also harms consumers because manufacturers of forged products have little motivation to use safe, high-quality materials in their products.”

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 violates 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.