NORFOLK, Virginia– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Norfolk have seized designer dresses and shawls estimated to be worth more than $2 million, due to violations brands.

In April, a shipment of clothing destined for Ohio was detained after a thorough examination determined the contents to be counterfeit women’s dresses, shawls and panties. A total of 1,120 pieces of clothing were seized by CBP because they violated the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of the brands Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Apple. The CBP Trade specialist at the Consumer Products Mass Merchandising Center determined that the counterfeit garments, if real, had a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) value of $2,372,490.00.

“CBP is responsible for enforcing trade laws, and we continue to devote substantial resources to target, intercept, detain, seize and confiscate cargo shipments that violate these laws,” said Mark J Laria, regional port manager. of CBP, Norfolk, VA.

IPR violations relate to products that infringe US trademarks, copyrights and patents. Other violations may include misclassification of goods, false country of origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues. These violations can threaten the health and safety of US consumers, the economy, and national security.

CBP data indicates that handbags, wallets, clothing, shoes, watches, jewelry and consumer electronics are at a higher risk of being counterfeited. Counterfeit versions of popular brands are regularly sold in online marketplaces and flea markets.

The quality of goods that agents ban in Cincinnati are inferior to the original quality sold by legitimate manufacturers. Purchasing low-quality products from third-party sellers online is dangerous and exposes buyers to security risks. CBP suggests paying close attention to the quality of items purchased and looking for printing errors, cheap packaging, poor quality materials used, and below-average prices. These are all signs that the items purchased could be fake.

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

• Buy products directly from the brand owner or from authorized retailers.

• When shopping online, read seller reviews and look for a working US phone number and address that can be used to contact the seller.

• See CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.

• Remember, if a product’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Play it safe and buy mom the real deal for her special day!

To report suspected infringements, visit CBP’s e-Allegations online portal or call 1-800-BE-ALERT. More information about counterfeit products can be found on CBP’s Fake Goods, Real Dangers website and on StopFakes.gov.

Follow CBP on Twitter @CBPSoutheast and @DFOAtlanta.