Trump Memo Calls for More Fines for Imported Counterfeits Trafficked Through E-Commerce Platforms

New legislation and bigger fines are among measures mentioned in an Oct. 13 presidential memorandum aimed at stopping imports of counterfeit goods through e-commerce platforms. CBP should seize counterfeit goods imported into the U.S. and impose the “maximum fines and civil penalties permitted by law on any e-commerce platform that directs, assists with, or is in any way concerned in the importation into the United States of counterfeit goods,” President Donald Trump said in the memo.

Trump also called for the pursuit of “legislation that would clarify and strengthen the executive branch’s authority and increase its resources to deter and address counterfeit trafficking on e-commerce platforms,” it said. The Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are directed to “develop a legislative proposal to promote the policy objectives of this memorandum” within 120 days. A DHS official recently said an announcement would be coming related to a report from earlier this year that examined possible ways to stop imports of counterfeit goods (see 2001240043).