Can You Legally Import Counterfeit Merchandise

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Can You Legally Import Counterfeit Merchandise - It may not be legal to create counterfeit merchandise, but you can legally import it to America. Well, kind of.

According to Customs and International Trade Blog:

“First, know that it is generally illegal to import counterfeit merchandise into the United States.  The word “counterfeit” is defined in the Lanham Act at 15 U.S.C. 1124, and the U.S. Customs applicable law allowing for the seizure of counterfeit merchandise is 19 U.S.C. 1526.  That law gives your friendly U.S. Customs officers who are waiting for you at the airport the authority to look through your luggage, and seize counterfeit merchandise from you.  The U.S. Customs regulations at 19 CFR Part 133 give more specific guidelines to travelers interested in this topic. “

Can You Legally Import Counterfeit Merchandise

Well, hang on– I thought it was kind of legal to bring in counterfeit items to the United States? That’s right, operative term: kind of. The truth is that you can bring in a counterfeit item for personal use, not for sale. What you buy for yourself overseas is your business. If you have fake Gucci bag for personal use that you bought in China, it’s fine. If you are bringing 100 fake Gucci bags, chances are customs are going to fine you and seize the goods.

Counterfeit goods from China come into the country in unknown ways. Every year, police must search warehouses and seize the goods– and last year they found a $1 billion worth of sneakers, purses and electronics.

Can You Legally Import Counterfeit Merchandise