CBP Seizes 93 Counterfeit Sinks Shipped From China To Colorado

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Virginia recently intercepted a shipment of ceramic sinks from China with counterfeit plumber’s certification marks.

CBP officers at the Area Port of Norfolk–Newport News initially inspected a shipment of 93 ceramic sinks shipped from China in late March. The sinks appeared to bear the UPC Shield certification of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), indicating the sinks meet the standards of the Uniform Plumbing Code, but officers could not locate the sink model number, SN QC05, in the IAPMO product directory.

The shipment was held for further investigation, and the trade experts at CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence and Expertise and at CBP’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch were called to assist.

After further review, it was determined the use of the UPC Shield mark was unauthorized, and on April 27, the shipment was seized.

In total, the sinks would have been worth $9,021 had they been genuine. The shipment was destined for an address in Douglas County, Colo.

“Unscrupulous vendors victimize consumers by selling inferior products, like these sinks with unauthorized UPC Shield marks, as authentic products and then leave the consumer hanging when the consumer quickly learns that the counterfeit sink’s failure is not covered by warranty,” said CBP Area Port Director Keri Brady, Area Port of Norfolk – Newport News. “Intercepting counterfeit goods is a Customs and Border Protection trade enforcement priority and a mission that we take very seriously.”