U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 200,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps at the Port of Birmingham in Alabama. Photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

During an operation at a local sorting facility, CBP officers decided to inspect two packages based on specific criteria.

The packages’ contents looked authentic but further examination revealed the stamps inside were deemed counterfeit and in violation of multiple intellectual property rights laws.

“Protecting America begins with the shared commitment and determination of dedicated CBP Officers, agriculture specialists and support staff,” CBP Birmingham Port Director said in a news release. “Together, they play a vital role in safeguarding consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods. Economic security is national security.”

The Port of Birmingham is located on the Locust Fork branch of the Black Warrior River, about 400 miles from the gulf. Materials are shipped north from Mobile by barge.

Last week, CPB said customs inspectors in Chicago seized 161,860 fake Forever Stamps from China.

China and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 90% of the total quantity seized by CPB in fiscal year 2024.

CBP works with Homeland Security Investigations agents and U.S. Postal Service inspectors to halt attempts to unlawfully import counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps.

CBP screens international travelers and cargo as well as searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests and other illicit products.

Forever stamps never expire and are equal in value to the price of 1-ounce First-Class Mail, which is currently valued at 73 cents.

USPA announced Friday that a new Forever Stamp will be released March 27 honoring Betty White, the actress and comedienne who died at age 99 in 2021.

The stamp will be available in panes of 20.