Photo: CBP Photo counterfeit goods found at Columbus, NM POE
DEMING – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Columbus, New Mexico port of entry have seized a shipment containing 1,816 counterfeit items with an estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $168,037. The shipment included counterfeit brand name auto parts, consumer electronics, Harry Potter-themed merchandise, and various card games.
The goods, which originated in China and were destined for Mexico, were intercepted on April 2 as part of an in-bond shipment. Following a review with trademark holders, CBP confirmed the items were counterfeit and authorized the seizure on May 6.
“The in-bond process allows imported merchandise to be transported through the U.S. without duties, provided all conditions are met,” said Hector Mancha, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “In this case, those conditions were not met, resulting in the seizure.”
The goods were seized under federal regulations governing intellectual property rights. The investigation remains ongoing.