Customs: 5,700 counterfeit auto parts seized in Pa. include grilles, bumpers

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U.S. Customs on Thursday announced Philadelphia, Pa., officials seized nearly $300,000 worth of counterfeit auto parts — including many components relevant to collision repair.

The shipment from China arrived June 4 contained 5,657 counterfeit parts intended for an address in Feasterville-Trevose, Pa. The parts included grilles, rear bumper fascias, headlights, taillights, power mirrors and “paint kits” and if legit would have carried an MSRP of $295,052.

Sapp provided the following breakdown:

3,024 “Paint Kits.”
647 vehicle lighting parts.
425 grilles.
325 door hinges and locks.
286 mirrors.
98 vehicle switches.

“Unscrupulous repair shops and greedy internet vendors that value profits over safety place motorists in severe peril,” acting Baltimore, Md., field operations director Keith Fleming said in a statement. “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.”

Customs suspected the components were phony, detained them, and collaborated with trademark holders to establish their bona fides. The agency concluded the parts were counterfeit on July 14.

The existence of such parts suggests body shops might wish to apply some due diligence to new suppliers and consumers who bring in their own parts for a repair.

“I don’t think anybody accidentally purchases counterfeit consumer goods or are duped into buying knockoffs,” U.S. Customs Mid-Atlantic Region public affairs officer Steve Sapp wrote in an email. “If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it’s likely counterfeit. If you find a manufacturer or vendor in China who sells a product you want, but at a significant discount, then you are likely buying counterfeit goods.”

More information:

“Philadelphia CBP Seizes Nearly $300k in Counterfeit Auto Parts from China”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, July 21, 2021

Report counterfeits to National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center

Images:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 5,657 counterfeit auto parts on July 14, 2021. Parts like grilles and bumper fascias were among them. (Provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

One of the 5,657 counterfeit auto parts seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 14, 2021. (Provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs on Thursday announced Philadelphia, Pa., officials seized nearly $300,000 worth of counterfeit auto parts — including many components relevant to collision repair. (Provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)