U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Portal Port of Entry targeted a rail container destined to arrive in Portal.  CBP officers inspected the rail container and discovered a dress and shoes in violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations.  On April 30, CBP seized counterfeit shoes and a dress with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $28,545 if the goods had been genuine.

CBP officers at the Portal Port of Entry seized a shipment of counterfeit shoes.
CBP officers at the Portal Port of Entry seized a shipment of counterfeit shoes.

“Enforcing trade laws remains a high priority for U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said James Rector, Portal Port Director. “Officers work every day to protect the United States from threats at our borders by enforcing a wide range of laws, including those governing trade.”

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.