US Customs seizes another batch of counterfeit watches! Total value exceeds $570,000!

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said on Monday that it had seized four counterfeit watches from China valued at more than $570,000 at the Port of Cincinnati this month.

According to a statement released by CBP, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspected a shipment bound for Miami, Florida on May 4 and found four counterfeit watches, including Jacob & Co, Audermars Piguet and Rolex brands, with models Astronomia Oak, Royal Oak and Oyster Perpetual. Officials suspected they might be counterfeit products and detained them for further investigation.

Officials presented documents and photos to Customs and Border Protection trade experts, who confirmed the watches were counterfeit and assessed the shipment's value at about $577,000 based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price of authentic watches.

“CBP is committed to protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while promoting our nation’s economic security through legitimate international trade and travel,” said Richard Gillespie, Director of the Port of Cincinnati. “Counterfeit and substandard goods have a negative impact on American consumers and businesses. CBP officers are expertly trained to identify illicit goods and will work hard to stem the flow of illicit trade.”

“CBP protects national security in many ways, including promoting fair and legal trade,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of the Chicago Customs Field Office. “CBP officers and experts are working to intercept seizures before they reach commerce and endanger consumer safety.”

The rapid development of e-commerce has enabled American consumers to easily purchase products on major e-commerce platforms, but it has also made it easier for counterfeit and pirated goods to enter the market. CBP said that American consumers spend more than $100 billion on intellectual property-infringing goods each year, and about 20% of counterfeit goods worldwide are purchased by them.

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