U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry have seized a shipment of counterfeit jewelry estimated to have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,222,800, had the items been authentic.
The shipment, originating from China, was intercepted on April 9 and was addressed to a private residence in El Paso, Texas.
The consignment contained 1,708 pieces of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, all resembling the distinctive design of Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection. Following collaboration with the trademark owner, CBP confirmed the items were counterfeit. The seizure was formally authorised on April 21.
Declared Value Significantly Understated
The shipment had been declared as containing accessories and bracelets with a stated value of $15,480. The significant difference between the declared value and the estimated MSRP highlights discrepancies often found in counterfeit shipments and is under review by authorities.
The CBP has not disclosed the identity of the intended recipient, and the investigation into the source and intended distribution of the goods remains ongoing.
CBP Highlights Broader Risks of Counterfeit Trade
Commenting on the seizure, Hector Mancha, CBP Director of Field Operations in El Paso, stated:
“CBP officers inspect arriving international parcels for a variety of reasons to include protecting American consumers from potential safety violations and rooting out counterfeit goods that may be supporting an underground economy that thrives on deception and exploitation. Buying counterfeit luxury jewelry may seem like a bargain, but it may also be fueling criminal enterprises involved in money laundering, forced labor, and even organized crime.”
He added:
“Counterfeit goods are generally poor-quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues.”
Implications for Jewelers and the Trade
The seizure underscores the ongoing impact of counterfeit goods on the luxury jewelry sector. For professional jewellers, incidents such as this emphasize the need for robust brand protection practices, due diligence in sourcing, and continued consumer education regarding authenticity.
Counterfeit jewelry can affect the market for original designs and may create compliance issues for retailers that unknowingly handle non-genuine stock. The growth of online marketplaces and cross-border e-commerce has made counterfeit jewelry more accessible to consumers, complicating enforcement efforts.
CBP Resources and Reporting Mechanisms
To mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit goods, CBP recommends that consumers:
- Purchase items directly from brand owners or authorized retailers
- Be cautious of pricing significantly below market value
- Avoid websites lacking customer service contacts or clear return policies.
CBP also encourages the public to consult its E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers and The Truth Behind Counterfeits informational page.
Suspected violations involving intellectual property rights can be reported to CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or via the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at www.iprcenter.gov.
