Charleston CBP Seizes $1.1 Million in Cell Phone Accessories

Media Release:  CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations, at Charleston seaport seized an estimated $1.1 million in counterfeit mobile phone accessories, including phone cases, chargers, cables, and headphones on March 14. The merchandise arrived into the port from China and was destined for upstate South Carolina.

Counterfeit  merchandise seized by CBP officers at Charleston Seaport

The shipment details were scrutinized and it was determined that the cargo was worth a closer look. Examination and appraisal revealed 85,000 individual accessories bearing images and markings from Apple, USB, Bluetooth, Blu-Ray, LG, Marvel, DC Comics, Hello Kitty, and Dr. Dre. Representatives from these companies confirmed their images and markings were being used without their permission, making them counterfeit and subject to seizure.

In addition, 38,000 power adapters were discovered bearing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mark, signifying they’d been tested in an accredited FCC laboratory and met certain operating standards. These were found to be unauthorized markings as well – a potentially significant safety risk to unwitting consumers.

CBP continues to work hard to protect legitimate businesses from unlawful use of their intellectual property.“I’m proud of the work our officers and import specialists are doing to keep counterfeit merchandise, some of which could be dangerous to consumers, out of U.S. commerce,” said Charleston Acting Area Port Director Joanne Fogg. “CBP continues to work hard to protect legitimate businesses from unlawful use of their intellectual property.”

Counterfeit power adapters seized by CBP officers at Charleston Seaport

If you have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S., CBP encourages you to submit an E-Allegation. The E-allegation provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods into the U.S.

CBP’s Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the U.S. while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. CBP conducts inspection operations and intercepts currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture products and other illicit items at U.S. ports of entry nationwide. View CBP Snapshot to learn some of what CBP achieves “On a Typical Day.”