U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized about $300,000 USD in counterfeit automotive parts.

While the rebounding market, the electrification of the vehicle fleet, and supply issues dominate aftermarket conversations, if recent seizures south of the border are anything to judge by, the burgeoning counterfeit parts trade continues.

On July 14, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized a cache of counterfeit cache of vehicle parts from China that were destined to an address in Feasterville-Trevose, Pa.

The shipment arrived on June 4 and consisted of 5,657 pieces that included vehicle door locks, hinges, powered mirrors, steering wheel switches, headlights and taillights, grills, rear bumpers, and paint kits. CBP officers suspected the auto parts to be counterfeit and detained them.

Officers consulted with CBP’s automotive experts at the agency’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise who worked with trademark holders and confirmed on July 7 that the automotive parts were counterfeit. Officers completed the seizure on July 14. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the automotive parts is $295,052 USD.

“Unscrupulous repair shops and greedy internet vendors that value profits over safety place motorists in severe peril,” said Keith Fleming, CBP’s Acting Director of Field Operations in Baltimore.

“Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to intercept counterfeited or pirated goods because we want consumers to be confident in knowing that the products that they purchase are safe for themselves and their families.”

CBP encourages consumers to protect themselves and their families by always purchasing safe, authentic goods from reputable vendors.

On a typical day in 2020, CBP officers seized $3.6 million worth of products with Intellectual Property Rights violations.

Learn more about what CBP did during “A Typical Day” in 2020.

Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.