Is It Illegal To Buy or Import a Counterfeit Bag?

Importing counterfeit goods is illegal, and CBP says an individual may be fined even if they did not mean to. Check what you order.

Published November 1, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Buying, Prices & Authenticity · Buying & prices

Typical situation

You ordered a designer-style bag from an overseas site at a very low price, and you wonder whether it could be seized or cause trouble.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Rules view

Yes, it can be. CBP says that purchasing counterfeit goods is illegal, and that it is against the law to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise. Individual consumers may be liable for a fine, even if they did not intend to import counterfeit merchandise.

What CBP says

Counterfeits are made with substandard materials and do not last.
CBP is responsible for seizing imported goods that violate US laws, including intellectual property rights.
Purchasing counterfeit goods is illegal, and transporting them into and throughout the US may result in civil or criminal penalties.
It is also against the law to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise, and individual consumers may be liable for a fine, even if they did not intend to import counterfeit merchandise.
Many online retailers use express and international mail to ship small packages to the US, and these often contain counterfeit goods.
CBP advises shopping from reputable online sources.

What to do

Check the seller before you order.
Be wary of well-known brands at very low prices.
Keep your order records.
If a package is seized, follow the instructions in the notice.
If you think you have bought a fake, see the separate guide on what to do.

What it means for bag shoppers

A bag that carries a famous logo is likelier than most to be a target for counterfeiters. A plain bag with the maker’s own name does not carry the same risk.

Where this answer stops

This is a summary of CBP’s public pages for the United States. Rules and penalties differ by country, and this is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Rules view

The legal position is stricter than many shoppers expect. CBP says that individuals can be fined even without intent, so a low price and a famous logo are reasons to stop and check.

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Buy from the brand or an authorised retailer if you want the real thing. If you do not need the brand, an unbranded bag of honest quality avoids the whole issue.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Be sceptical of any listing that shows a famous logo at a price far below normal. The combination is the pattern that CBP and the FTC both warn about.

Independent and unofficial. berabags is an independent editorial site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any bag brand, retailer, airline or agency named on this page. This page contains no affiliate links; if berabags adds any in future they will be labelled. Rules and policies change, so check the linked source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice.