Since the beginning of the pandemic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seen an increase in unapproved or counterfeit COVID-19 tests being shipped through the mail system. At Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Facility, which processes 20 percent of all the international mail coming into the United States, CBP has seized 11 shipments containing 1,147 prohibited test kits. The value of these kits is $10,847, and most of the kits seized came from Great Britain. Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic for illegal financial gain. These criminals are smuggling and selling counterfeit safety equipment, unapproved testing kits, medicines, and hygiene products to individuals. 

To combat this, CBP is targeting imports and exports – mainly in the international mail and express consignment cargo environments – that may contain counterfeit or illicit goods. “These products have serious consequences to everyone,” said Hans Leiterman, Assistant Area Port Director, Chicago.  “CBP seizures of illegally imported merchandise helps protect the health and safety of U.S. citizens.” Authorized testing for COVID-19 is being conducted by medical professionals in most states and at local public health laboratories across the United States. The public should be aware of bogus home testing kits for sale either online or in informal-direct-to-consumer settings and the dangers that they may pose if not administered by medical professionals.