The U.S. Embassy in Manila has warned all travelers to the United States against bringing any knock-off goods, including pirated DVDs, books and imitation items, like Louis Vuitton or Prada bags, or face automatic deportation and cancellation of their visa for the violation of intellectual property rights, or arrest and criminal prosecution in addition to civil fines and penalties.
In a travel advisory, Thess Q. Sula of the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Manila said all travelers must be wary of all the pasalubongs (souvenirs) and padalas (gifts), especially those containing pirated compact discs and DVD movies.
“Please remember that even one pirated item could jeopardize your trip,” she said.
Sula cited a Department of Homeland Security report about an arrest and deportation of a Filipino after authorities searched his bag and found some 80 fake CDs and 20 DVDs.
“Since the arrested traveler was not a U.S. citizen, his visa was canceled and he was returned to the Philippines,” Sula said. “If he had been an American, he could have been subject to arrest and criminal prosecution, in addition to civil fines and penalties. U.S. embassy employees have been given an advisory that as U.S. government employees, we should abide by U.S. laws, including Intellectual Property Rights (anti-piracy) laws,” she added.
However, not only pirated CDs and DVDs are on the hot list.
Sula said the American Association of Publishers (AAP), headed by Patricia Judd, also alerted U.S. customs officers to check out for pirated books.
“Nursing graduates who plan to take the NCLEX and CGF exams in the States must not bring in pirated books, because there will be a penalty of automatic deportation as violation of intellectual property rights,” she said.
Cosmetic items are also included in the hot list, she said.
“Since the fingerprinting system has successfully been instituted in all port of entries, I suggest you bring extra identifications cards in addition to your passport to facilitate your entry with the U.S. immigration,” she added.
