CBP Ramps Up IP and Trade-Fraud Enforcement: Counterfeit Watches, Fake FIFA Jerseys, and Fraudulent Chinese Imports

Customs Enforcement Watch · July 26, 2026

This week's enforcement actions highlight rising seizures of counterfeit luxury goods, World Cup-related knockoffs, and fraudulently documented imports — all carrying significant compliance lessons for legitimate exporters and importers.

$28 Million Counterfeit Watch Seizure Underscores Luxury-Goods Risk

CBP officers at the Port of Louisville intercepted a package containing approximately 200 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches with a combined manufacturer's suggested retail value exceeding $28 million. The seizure adds to a broader pattern analyzed this week by The Fashion Law, which examined CBP counterfeit seizure data to identify which luxury brand trademarks are most frequently targeted by counterfeiters. Importers and distributors of watches and luxury accessories should ensure robust supply-chain documentation and authorized-dealer verification to avoid inadvertent involvement with counterfeit goods.

World Cup Drives Spike in Counterfeit Sports Merchandise Seizures

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway on U.S. soil, CBP has intensified enforcement around counterfeit sporting merchandise. Officers at the Rochester Port of Entry seized shipments of counterfeit FIFA jerseys, while the agency issued a public statement outlining its broader World Cup security and trade-enforcement posture. Retailers and e-commerce sellers sourcing World Cup-branded apparel should be especially vigilant about supplier authenticity, as CBP has signaled this will be a sustained enforcement priority through the tournament.

Fraudulent Imports from China: Kitchen Cabinets and Auto Parts Seized

In two separate actions, CBP seized over $120,000 in kitchen cabinets and $170,000 in automotive struts and shocks imported from China under what the agency described as fraudulent documentation. Separately, a luxury vehicle valued at $539,000 was seized during an attempted export due to fraudulent bills of sale. These cases serve as a reminder that CBP is scrutinizing not only counterfeit goods but also trade-document integrity. Importers should audit commercial invoices, bills of sale, and country-of-origin declarations carefully, as discrepancies can trigger seizures, penalties, and potential referrals for criminal investigation.

Stolen Vehicle Exports and Broader Enforcement Trends

CBP reported that 307 stolen vehicles were seized in the Baltimore region alone during 2025, highlighting the agency's continued focus on outbound enforcement at major port areas. For exporters of vehicles and high-value goods, this underscores the importance of maintaining clean title documentation and conducting due diligence on consignors. Combined with this week's record narcotics seizures — including over $72 million in methamphetamine in South Texas and 22 kilograms of fentanyl at the Presidio crossing — the overall picture is one of heightened CBP inspection intensity across all trade lanes, making proactive compliance more essential than ever.

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SourcesUS$53,000 seized from Jamaican-bound passenger in Fort Lauderdale - caribbeanlife.com — caribbeanlife.com US CBP officers seize over 40 pounds of cocaine at the San Ysidro Port of Entry - World Border Security Congress — World Border Security Congress Frontline Collections(57) - Homeland Security (.gov) — Homeland Security (.gov)CBP Detains Canadian-Tunisian Travelers: 12-Hour Interrogation and Phone Seizure at US Border 2026 - Nomad Lawyer — Nomad Lawyer Border K9 sniffs out 99 pounds of prohibited meat, plants and monitor lizard in suitcase from Thailand - Fox News — Fox News CBP Seizes 200 Counterfeit Audemars Piguet Watches That Would Have Been Worth Over $28 Million - National Enquirer — National Enquirer GOOOOOOAAL!! CBP Ensures Safe and Secure World Cup - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (.gov) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (.gov)US sniffer dog finds dead monitor lizard in luggage from Thailand - Bangkok Post — Bangkok Post Cops make wild discovery inside LAX suitcase coming from Thailand - New York Post — New York Post K9 helps seize lizard parts at LA port - FOX 11 Los Angeles — FOX 11 Los Angeles 16 pounds of monitor lizard parts from Thailand seized at Los Angeles port of entry - KTLA — KTLA U.S. Customs Seize $539,000 Luxury-Car Export Over Fraudulent Bills of Sale - Road & Track — Road & Track

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