Customs looking for counterfeit imports

WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has initiated an intellectual property rights (IPR) audit program, targeting companies thought to be at "high risk" for importing counterfeit or infringing merchandise.

The post-entry audits may include on-site personnel interviews, documentation reviews to track related financial transaction, and warehouse inspections.

"High-risk" companies are identified after studying importer history, shipper history, country of export and commodity type. CBP has specified that its focus is no longer relegated to well-known brands and high-end products.