Counterfeit Goods 🇺🇸 United States
Seizure and penalties for counterfeit goods
Can I bring Counterfeit Goods into United States?
Seizure and penalties for counterfeit goods
Any quantity of counterfeit trademarked goods is prohibited; personal-use exception does NOT apply — CBP seizes even single items
- No permits available — counterfeit goods are seized and may be referred to IPR prosecution unit
- CBP Form 6051S (seizure notice) issued upon confiscation
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
US Customs and Border Protection actively seizes counterfeit goods at ports of entry. Travelers found with counterfeit designer goods, electronics, or other IP-infringing items face confiscation and potential civil fines. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 5000000 USD
- Imprisonment up to 240 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Available. CBP accepts voluntary surrender of counterfeit goods. Proactively declare at primary inspection or Red Channel. CBP Form 6051S (Seizure Notice) issued. Voluntary surrender avoids civil penalty under 19 USC §1526 and referral to IPR prosecution.
Even one counterfeit item can be seized. CBP does not distinguish between 'personal use' and 'commercial' for counterfeits.
Any quantity of counterfeit trademarked goods is prohibited; personal-use exception does NOT apply — CBP seizes even single items
- No permits available — counterfeit goods are seized and may be referred to IPR prosecution unit
- CBP Form 6051S (seizure notice) issued upon confiscation
Trademark Counterfeiting Act, 18 USC 2320
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry counterfeit goods through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Counterfeit Goods rules in other countries
Counterfeit Goods
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Illegal to import counterfeit goods
Counterfeit Goods
🇩🇪 Germany
EU-wide seizure regime applies
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Active IP enforcement at customs
Counterfeit Goods
🇯🇵 Japan
Strict IP enforcement; zero tolerance
Counterfeit Goods
🇨🇦 Canada
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇺 Australia
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited