CBP seizes illegal contact lenses worth more than $479,000

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Cincinnati – In late October, Cincinnati U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, agents from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, and FDA consumer safety officers launched a special investigation into misbranded contact lenses. action.Contact lenses are a regulated commodity in the United States.These mislabeled lenses violate FDA law and may prove dangerous or ineffective.The purpose of enhanced enforcement is to identify and intercept illegal contact lenses imported into the United States.

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A total of 26,477 undeclared or misdeclared pairs of decorative contact lenses were found by CBP and FDA officials.Prohibited contact lenses originate primarily from Hong Kong and Japan, with destinations throughout the United States.If legally imported, the cumulative manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the prohibited lenses is $479,082.
“Counterfeit products, such as these contact lenses, can contain toxic substances that can affect the public’s vision,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of the Chicago office.”Counterfeiters don’t have an ethical compass, they’ll fake anything to make money. We’ve come across counterfeit cosmetics, fragrances, toys, clothing, electronics, mechanical parts, basically, anything we’ve ever seen that needs it. These items go online. The market poses a significant risk to U.S. consumers.”
“Consumers should be aware of the dangers of purchasing an unregulated item when purchasing contact lenses online,” said Richard Gillespie, director of the Port of Cincinnati.”Not only are they detrimental to your health and well-being, but they often fund criminal enterprises in one way or another. Our officers and agricultural experts enforce laws for many partner agencies to stop illegal goods from reaching consumers.”
“Consumers’ vision is at risk when contact lenses that may not meet FDA standards enter the U.S. market,” said Catherine Hermsen, Assistant Commissioner of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations.”We will investigate and hold accountable those who harm public health.” See Buying Contact Lenses | FDA for more information.
While most people buy decorative contact lenses as accessories for Halloween costumes and performing arts, the FDA emphasizes that all contact lenses are medical devices that require a valid prescription from a licensed optometrist and cannot be legally sold over the counter.Consumers can report to FDA if they suspect that a supplier is illegally selling contacts or other medical products.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security that manages, controls, and protects our nation’s borders between official and official ports of entry.​​​CBP is responsible for protecting the U.S. border while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating legal trade and travel.