CBP Releases IPRs Seizure Statistics for Mid-Fiscal Year 2008

WASHINGTON - US Customs and Border Protection’s Office (CBP) of International Trade announced in a press release that the domestic value of counterfeit and pirated products seized by CBP and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased by 2.7 percent in mid-fiscal year 2008 to $113.2 million compared to $110.1 million in mid-FY 2007.

The number of large-scale seizures also increased: rising from 296 IPRs seizures with a domestic value equal to or greater than $100,000 in 2008 compared to 266 such seizures in mid-FY 2007. The first half of the fiscal year extends from October 1 to March 28.

“Counterfeit and pirated goods continue to pose serious threats to our economy, our national security, and the health and safety of our citizens,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham.

“As the guardian of our borders, CBP remains on constant alert for the importation of these harmful products.”

CBP and ICE together are countering the rapidly growing trade in counterfeit and pirated goods that not only adversely impacts the American economy, but that may pose consumer safety or national security concerns.

Additional highlights of the seizure statistics include:

• CBP’s focus on counterfeit goods which may pose consumer safety or national security concerns was evident as the value of these types of goods seized in mid-FY 2008 almost matched the value of these types of goods for the entire FY 2007.

• China continues to dominate as the top source country for IPRs infringing goods. In mid- FY 2008, China accounted for 85 percent of all IPR seizures by value, or $96.7 million, compared to $89.1 million or 81 percent at mid-FY 2007.

• Footwear continues as the top commodity seized in mid-year FY 2008, representing 36 percent of the total value of IPRs seizures.

As the primary agency responsible for US border enforcement, CBP is a key player in IPRs enforcement. CBP’s new methods in IPRs enforcement focus on improving risk analysis to enhance the capability to target and interdict shipments of fake goods while facilitating the flow of trade in legitimate goods; identifying business practices linked to importing counterfeit goods and working with companies to change those practices; using audits to deprive counterfeiters and pirates of their profits; working with right holders to protect their rights at our borders; and cooperating with other government agencies, customs administrations and international organizations to strengthen IPRs enforcement.

The US Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of US laws.