CBP Seizes $173K in Santa Lights with Counterfeit UL Marks
On November 23 and 25, 2011, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex seized 151 life-size decorative lights of Santa Claus, a snowman and a polar bear, with electrical adapters containing counterfeit Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) markings. The infringing merchandise was discovered in two shipments from China. The estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 151 units is $173,000 with an estimated domestic value of $110,000. These lights were identified as part of a joint national operation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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(UL is an independent product safety certification organization that rigorously tests and evaluates products for potential risk of fire, shock, and personal injury. Products are not certified until they meet established standards. Products bearing counterfeit UL certification marks have not undergone this rigorous testing and certification process, and can present potential safety hazards to the end-user. In fiscal year 2010, electrical articles presenting potential safety or security risks, with an estimated domestic value of $7.9 million, represented 19 percent of all commodities seized by CBP.)