CBP officers in Norfolk seize counterfeit-marked ceramic sinks and fraudulently imported radiators from China

NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection trade enforcement officers continue to encounter shipments of illicit goods in Norfolk, seizing automotive radiators and ceramic sinks on Oct. 6 that originated from China.

CBP officers seized 2,772 ceramic sinks that bore a counterfeit certification mark after CBP’s trade experts verified that the UPC shield and design mark printed on the sinks was used without authorization. This shipment, which was destined for an address in Irvine, Calif., was appraised at $462,501 manufacturer’s suggested retail price, if they were authentic.

Officers also seized 543 radiators for being fraudulently imported using a victim’s stolen identity. Nefarious operators use stolen identities of citizens or legitimate businesses and create shell companies to illegally move commercial goods across borders to evade tariffs or smuggle contraband. That shipment, which was destined to an address in Los Angeles, was appraised at $120,296.

This is not the first time CBP officers in Norfolk have seized ceramic sinks with counterfeit UPC markings or fraudulently imported automotive radiators. Every day, CBP secures international trade by enforcing U.S. laws on commercial imports.

“Customs and Border Protection officers remain committed to combatting transnational criminal organizations by detecting and seizing these high-risk and fraudulent shipments and depriving these bad actors of any illicit revenue,” said CBP Area Port Director Keri Brady, Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News. “Enforcing our nation’s laws is critical to protecting American consumers, ensuring U.S. businesses and workers can operate fairly in global trade, and safeguarding our nation’s economic security.”

Counterfeit goods are often spotted by their inferior quality. Peeling labels, low-quality ink or printing errors on the packaging, and loosely packed items in the box can be signs that the product you purchased may not be legitimate. Counterfeit goods are not only produced in unregulated and potentially exploitative environments in foreign countries, but the profits from their sales provide a funding stream for organized criminal networks. 

CBP protects the intellectual property rights of American businesses through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights enforcement program, safeguarding them from unfair competition and use for malicious intent while upholding American innovation and ingenuity. 

To learn more about what CBP is doing every day to protect Americans from counterfeit goods, and more about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign, please visit The Truth Behind Counterfeits. 

Consumers can also take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:

• Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
• When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
• Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
• Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To report suspected counterfeits, visit CBP’s online e-Allegations portal or call 1-800-BE-ALERT.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, and other prohibited items that threaten public safety and our nation’s economic vitality.

Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on X @DFOBaltimore and CBP’s Office of Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops.