CBP Seizes $1 Million in Fake Batteries at Houston Port

Nearly $1 million in counterfeit lithium batteries were taken from commerce in Houston on Tuesday. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the seizure of 290 cartons of products at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston. The items bore the brand name "EZ Kruiser" and displayed the trademarked Bluetooth logo. Officers coordinated with trademark representatives to confirm the violation of federal intellectual property laws.

The discovery prompts warnings from local technology experts regarding the physical risks of counterfeit power sources. Juan Guevara Torres, a tech expert, stated that consumers often do not realize the dangers until a failure occurs. He explained that these batteries are frequently manufactured to lower standards than legitimate products. This can result in overheating, swelling, and explosions in some cases.

Torres noted that improperly constructed batteries can also damage the electronic devices they power, such as cellphones. He added that some may stop functioning after only a few charging cycles. To mitigate these risks, he advised buyers to purchase from trusted retailers and established stores. He specifically warned against buying from unknown sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

The expert also cautioned against purchasing inexpensive accessories from gas stations and dollar stores. He identified price as a primary warning sign. Legitimate batteries usually fall within a consistent price range. A product sold for significantly less than the standard market price may indicate a lack of quality control.

CBP officials described counterfeit goods as a growing concern for both consumers and American businesses. Area Port Director John Landry said, "These global criminal networks do great harm to hard-working American businesses who play by the rules." He added that profits from fake merchandise often support other criminal activities, including money laundering and drug trafficking.

The agency reported that officers in Houston have seized other counterfeit items in recent months. These include watches, children's toys, and FIFA World Cup merchandise. According to CBP, nearly 90% of its intellectual property rights seizures involve goods originating from China and Hong Kong. Officials highlighted that electronics, automotive parts, and medications pose particular health and safety risks when they are fakes.

CBP encourages consumers to buy directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers. It advises checking online seller reviews and verifying business contact information. Buyers should be cautious of unusually low prices and avoid sellers with unverified product or business information. Warning signs such as overheating or short battery life should prompt further inspection.

Consumers who suspect counterfeit merchandise can report violations through the CBP Trade Violations Reporting website or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. The agency stated that its officers will continue working to stop counterfeit merchandise from entering the United States while protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.