CBP Seizes 373,000 Counterfeit Apple iPhone Chargers, Worth More Than $7 Million If Genuine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection this week announced the seizure of 373,000 counterfeit Apple iPhone chargers that would have been worth more than $7 million if genuine.

CBP’s Houston Seaport Trade Enforcement Team discovered the counterfeit USB phone chargers (Lightning cables) in 7,460 cartons bearing the Apple trademark. If genuine, the 373,000 individual chargers would have retailed for more than $7 million.

The chargers were confirmed to be counterfeit by both CBP trade specialists and Apple representatives, the agency said.

“Criminal networks are using e-Commerce to ship their items to unsuspecting consumers and exploit the high volume of cargo processed by CBP,” said CBP Acting Area Port Director John Landry. “Counterfeit activities negatively impact American legitimate jobs and counterfeiters dont pay taxes. They hurt innovation by stealing intellectual property from registered trademarks and the counterfeits are often produced under unsanitary labor exploitation conditions. Consumers deserve the real deal when spending their hard-earned money on these products.”

Importing counterfeit goods into the U.S. may result in civil or criminal penalties. According to CBP, purchasing counterfeit goods “often supports criminal activities” such as forced labor and human trafficking.

The agency warns consumers to only buy goods from the manufacturer, trademark holder, or authorized retailer, and to know the actual market price of the item, because “if it is too good to be true it probably is.” Consumers should also purchase goods only from websites that offer customer service contact information and return policies.