Indianapolis CBP stops unapproved vials of body filler injectables and other fake cosmetic treatment products

INDIANAPOLIS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Indianapolis' express consignment facility recently seized six shipments containing 450 units of Botox, six boxes of Maxy Fill body filler injectables, and five fake additional Onabotulintoxin cosmetic treatment products with an estimated value of more than $30,000.

The shipments originated in South Korea (three shipments), Vietnam, and the Philippines and were en route to two residences in New York as well as other residences in Maryland, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. None of the shipments had necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or prescriptions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration examined the shipments and determined they violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they were misbranded consumer goods being imported by an unauthorized agent.

When used under the direction of licensed medical professionals, cosmetic injectables can treat an array of health problems and aesthetic concerns such as smoothing facial wrinkles. The FDA regulates injectable cosmetic treatments. Fake or unapproved products can have unknown ingredients and may potentially cause harm to the consumer.

"Purchasing unapproved injectables, and cosmetic fillers is a health and safety risk," said Indianapolis Port Director Brett Mueller. "Cheaper is not always better, especially when it concerns your family's health and welfare. The officers in Indianapolis diligently work to intercept illegal shipments and to ensure the safety of the American people."

Botox and botulinum toxins are regulated by the FDA and cannot be imported into the U.S. without proper documentation. CBP works jointly with the FDA to combat the importation of illegal medications and beauty products posing health risks to consumers. The FDA provides guidance on how drugs for human consumption can be legitimately offered for import into the United States while meeting strict safety requirements.

CBP enforces hundreds of laws for partner agencies such as the FDA to ensure American citizens are safe and protected from illicit goods. Consumers need to be aware of the risks they take when buying from third party sellers, including unknown product ingredients. CBP recommends consumers purchase cosmetic products from reputable sources and ensure they are administered by properly trained and licensed medical professionals.

CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with all state and federal regulations.

Follow CBP on X @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Office of Field Operations
• Trade Enforcement