CBP seizes counterfeit Rocket Copter toys

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Minnesota have intercepted thousands of counterfeit Rocket Copter toys valued at more than $115,000.

The popular flying toys – which are launched using a slingshot and have high-intensity LED lights that can be seen for up to half a mile away – are sold by consumer goods company IdeaVillage Products Corp and typically retail for $15 plus tax per pack.

Officers working at the International Falls Port of Entry (POE) in Minnesota discovered the shipment in a rail container destined to arrive at the Ranier POE in early June and found that it "violated multiple laws and regulations," including trademarks. The fakes - with packaging describing them as "Slingshot Rocketeer" products - will be destroyed.

"With the growth of foreign trade, unscrupulous companies have profited billions of dollars from the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods," said the CBP in a statement.

"To combat the illicit trade of merchandise violating laws relating to intellectual property rights, trademark and copyright holders may register with CBP through an online system. Such registration assists CBP officers and import specialists in identifying merchandise that violate US law."

Counterfeit toys accounted for around 1 per cent of all CBP seizures in 2015, with the category valued at around $10m at manufacturer's suggested retail prices.