A Cautionary Tale

[Shel_B]

I'm posting this as a heads-up to anyone thinking of doing something similar - importing a Japanese Kei car replica:

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/subaru-sambar-van-resembling-vw-bus-destroyed/?

 

[Fla]

CBP can't keep millions of pounds of illegal drugs or tens of millions of illegals out of the country but by all means, let's have them protect VW's business interest

 

[BHopkins]

The only surprise here, is that the guy that tried to import this replicar, didn't anticipate that it would violate US copyright laws. If he is as involved in importing as he says, he should know that all kinds of fake copyright knockoff items are destroyed all the time. Everything from fake Rolex watches, fake designer purses. And apparently, fake VW cars.

 

[KrisZ]

I also think this guy is not as involved with importing as the article makes it out to be. Maybe he just started doing this.

An expensive lesson for sure. All could’ve been avoided if he did his research and simply asked the sender/seller to take the VW badge off.

 

[BHopkins]

CBP can't keep millions of pounds of illegal drugs or tens of millions of illegals out of the country but by all means, let's have them protect VW's business interest

The difference is, illegal drug importers take all kinds of extreme measures to get their drugs past Customs, including shipping so much that Customs can't begin to catch it all. This guy didn't even think about trying to beat the system. Perhaps if he had imported 10, with half of them cleverly disguised, he could have got one or two through without detection.

 

[Vil_Riker]

It's such a good replica that one might confuse it for the real thing. I am so happy that the Feds are keeping us safe from fake products.

 

[KrisZ]

It's such a good replica that one might confuse it for the real thing. I am so happy that the Feds are keeping us safe from fake products.

It’s all for our own good and protection.

 

[BHopkins]

I also think this guy is not as involved with importing as the article makes it out to be. Maybe he just started doing this.

An expensive lesson for sure. All could’ve been avoided if he did his research and simply asked the sender/seller to take the VW badge off.

I suspect you are right. I bet Customs would not have picked up on the iconic two tone paint job style, and shape/style of the front end. But smack a huge trademark emblem on the front of it, and you are going to draw attention.

 

[Leo99]

CBP can't keep millions of pounds of illegal drugs or tens of millions of illegals out of the country but by all means, let's have them protect VW's business interest

I exported one quart of drug product in a glass bottle to Europe for testing. They wanted a lot of material for testing. Turns out that they didn't need much for testing so they sent it back to me a little less than one quart. (we metric system but I'm Americanizing it) Customs/FDA seized it and made me write them letters promising that we weren't going to sell it or give to anyone to ingest. It made me think exactly what you wrote. Doesn't customs have more important things to do.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The difference is, illegal drug importers take all kinds of extreme measures to get their drugs past Customs, including shipping so much that Customs can't begin to catch it all. This guy didn't even think about trying to beat the system. Perhaps if he had imported 10, with half of them cleverly disguised, he could have got one or two through without detection.

Untrue - they catch and release illegals every day.

 

[Finklejag]

There is a big Kei car importer in my city and they always have these Subaru Sambar’s with the VW looking kits. The title says it’s a Subaru.

 

[FishFry]

When I was in Japan, those are everywhere.
Dressing up those little vans seems to be a big thing over there - I even saw one that was dressed up like a 57 Bell Air.

 

[dishdude]

It’s all for our own good and protection.

It's all for this big business's good and protection....but is it really? What sale did this steal from VW?

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

CBP can't keep millions of pounds of illegal drugs or tens of millions of illegals out of the country but by all means, let's have them protect VW's business interest

How TRUE + sad.

 

[72westy]

It's all for this big business's good and protection....but is it really? What sale did this steal from VW?

None. It's a Subaru not a VW. It is NOT governments business. It is..."We the people... not "We the government.