Counterfeit N95 masks from China worth USD 350,000 seized at US' Houston seaport

US' Customs and Borders protection has intercepted a counterfeit shipment of N95 maks from China destined for New York.

US' Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) has intercepted a counterfeit shipment of N95 masks from China destined for New York.

The shipment had an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price of nearly USD 350,000 and originated in China.

The shipment arrived at Houston Seaport on April 7, Fox News reported citing CBP. Officers examined the shipment and found some 1,71,460 masks with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health logo on the boxes.

The officers called the trademark holder who told them that the shipment was not licensed, which indicated that it was counterfeit.

The masks were then turned over to CBP's Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Office for disposition.

"Counterfeit goods not only hurt the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, but they also pose substantial health and safety hazards for American consumers," Houston CBP Port Director Roderick Hudson said in a statement. "In this instance, these counterfeit N95 respirators may not be effective at filtering airborne particles."

The counterfeit mask seizure comes as personal protective equipment still remains high amind the lingering COVID pandemic.

The agency says it seized approximately 18 million counterfeit masks in the first three months of 2021 - well above the 12 million that the agency seized for all of the fiscal year 2020 and a mere 1,300 in the fiscal year 2019.

( With inputs from ANI )