Counterfeit designer sunglasses seized. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection / September 22, 2010) |
LOS ANGELES -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have seized fake designer sunglasses worth an estimated retail value of more than $12 million.
The sunglasses, which were knock-offs of famous designers including Coach, Gucci and Emporio Armani, were found in three different shipments coming from China, according to officials.
Agents seized a total of 78,600 pairs of glasses with the domestic value of $79,920.
"This is an excellent example of our continuing trade enforcement efforts at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. Stopping the importation of counterfeit and confusingly similar merchandise continues to be a top priority for CBP," said Acting Director of field operations in Los Angeles, Carlos Martel.
In addition to the financial impact, officials say the look-alike sunglasses also have a potential health risk. They may not be impact resistant, may cause injury by shattering and may fail to provide UV protection.
In fiscal year 2009, there were 14,841 intellectual property rights seizures, with a domestic value of $260.7 million, at ports of entry in the United States. The total value of all commodities presenting potential safety or security risks seized in fiscal year 2009 was $32 million with counterfeit sunglasses accounting for 9 percent or $2.9 million.
The sunglasses, which were knock-offs of famous designers including Coach, Gucci and Emporio Armani, were found in three different shipments coming from China, according to officials.
Agents seized a total of 78,600 pairs of glasses with the domestic value of $79,920.
"This is an excellent example of our continuing trade enforcement efforts at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. Stopping the importation of counterfeit and confusingly similar merchandise continues to be a top priority for CBP," said Acting Director of field operations in Los Angeles, Carlos Martel.
In addition to the financial impact, officials say the look-alike sunglasses also have a potential health risk. They may not be impact resistant, may cause injury by shattering and may fail to provide UV protection.
In fiscal year 2009, there were 14,841 intellectual property rights seizures, with a domestic value of $260.7 million, at ports of entry in the United States. The total value of all commodities presenting potential safety or security risks seized in fiscal year 2009 was $32 million with counterfeit sunglasses accounting for 9 percent or $2.9 million.
