Tech goods lead 2011 seizures by Customs

Consumer electronics were the top commodity seized by U.S. Customs officials in 2011, marking the first time since 2005 that footwear hasn't been the most-seized category.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday that they conducted almost 25,000 seizures last year, an increase of 24 percent over 2010.

"IP enforcement is a high priority for ICE and CBP because the trade in counterfeit and pirated goods robs Americans of jobs and puts their safety at risk, costs legitimate businesses billions of dollars in revenue, and fuels criminal activity," said ICE Director John Morton.

China continues to be the leading source for seized counterfeit and pirated goods, accounting for 62 percent of the total domestic value of the seizures. Consumer electronics were the top commodity seized, with a third of the category made up of infringing cellphones and smartphones.

"The growth of websites selling counterfeit goods directly to consumers is one reason why CBP and ICE have seen a significant increase in the number of seizures at mail and express courier facilities," said acting CBP Commissioner David Aguilar.

"Although these websites may have low prices, what they do not tell consumers is that the true costs to our nation and consumers include lost jobs, stolen business profits, threats to our national security, and a serious risk of injury to consumers."

Other leading categories of products seized include critical technology components, electronic articles, cigarettes, batteries, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. The total value of the goods seized declined slightly, to $1.1 billion.

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