The nine categories of products with the highest U.S. Customs inspection rates
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on counterfeit product seizures, the following categories are among the most frequently inspected goods in U.S. maritime shipping:
- Apparel/Accessories: Clothing and accessories make up the largest category of counterfeit goods, accounting for 22% of all seizures. The high-profit margins attract a significant amount of counterfeit products into the market.
- Consumer Electronics: With an inspection rate of around 18%, consumer electronics rank as the second-largest category for counterfeit goods. This includes products such as smartphones, tablets, and headphones. The total value of seized counterfeit electronics amounted to $13.25 million, representing 10% of the total value of seized items.
- Footwear: Footwear accounts for 10% of seizures. Last year, counterfeit shoes were seized 2,818 times, double the amount from the previous year. Many footwear manufacturers, such as Nike, have implemented anti-counterfeiting measures, including hidden details in their products.
- Watches/Jewelry: Watches also represent 10% of seizures, particularly in the luxury sector, where watches and jewelry are highly susceptible to counterfeiting and infringement. Counterfeit watches and jewelry have become a major concern in the industry.
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: Pharmaceuticals are among the most frequently counterfeited items worldwide, comprising 8% of U.S. seizures. The high demand, limited supply, and expensive nature of genuine medications make counterfeit pharmaceuticals highly profitable for criminals. Patent infringement in the pharmaceutical industry is a key focus for U.S. authorities.
- Handbags/Wallets: The value of seized handbags and wallets accounts for 15% of the total value of seized counterfeit goods, representing 7% of all seizures. Some high-end handbags are worth tens of thousands of dollars, creating a lucrative market. In one instance last July, CBP seized 10,788 counterfeit Gucci and Coach handbags from China.
- Optical Media: This category includes products like video games, DVDs, and CDs, with an inspection rate of 5%. Due to their portability and high sales volume, optical media are a common target for counterfeiters.
- Computers/Electronic Accessories: Computer and electronic accessories make up 3% of seizures. Many counterfeit products in this category may target military systems and equipment, posing not only economic risks but also threats to U.S. national defense, making them a top concern for customs.
- Counterfeit Labels and Tags: Counterfeit labels and tags have an inspection rate of about 2%. These include fabric labels, stickers, and metal tags used on branded clothing, handbags, footwear, electronics, and software. They are a common element in the production of counterfeit goods, making them a key focus for customs enforcement.
These product categories are heavily targeted for counterfeit production due to high profitability, strong demand, and safety concerns, leading to higher inspection rates by U.S. Customs.
