Los Angeles CBP Seizes More than $18 million in Counterfeit Sunglasses

Louis Vuitton, Versace and Coach among the Counterfeit Trademarks

April 22, 2010 - Los Angeles - In just four weeks, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport seized six shipments of counterfeit sunglasses arriving from China with a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $18.6 million.

“Stopping the importation of counterfeit and pirated merchandise continues to be a top priority for CBP,” said Christopher Perry, CBP acting director of Field Operations, Los Angeles. “These seizures are fine examples of the hard work the men and women of CBP perform to protect the American consumer and the economic vitality of our country.”

CBP officials seized a total 156,900 pairs of sunglasses in violation of Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana, Lacoste, Coach, Emporio Armani and Bvlgary trademarks with a total domestic value of $151,564. The infringing merchandise was discovered on six different shipments during the period of March 13 to April 14.

Along with the negative impact on legitimate manufacturers and on the U.S. economy, counterfeit sunglasses threaten the health and safety of consumers. Counterfeit sunglasses may not be impact resistant, may cause injury by shattering and may fail to provide UV protection.

In fiscal year 2009, 14,841 seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods with a total domestic value of $260.7 million were intercepted at U.S. ports of entry.