Hello, I'm traveling to Italy in a month with a 3 hour layover in Paris. I'm traveling from the United States. My question is, I have this AAA quality replica Louis Vuitton bag that I want to bring to Italy with me but I've been hearing a lot about people being fined for it and having their belongings confiscated. I'm not thinking about buying any replicas over there, I just want to bring mine from the US to EU to use as a daily purse during my vacation. It is the only replica/fake that I'm bringing. What are my chances of getting in trouble for it? I'm bringingThank you!
Using a fake Louis Vuitton bag to Europe
Why not just bring a different bag? Problem solved!
Usually they are looking for comercial quantities of the fake stuff and most confiscations are those who are recieving said item via post. Customs probably won't look twice at a bag you are using. In saying that customs can be fickle and sometimes you just happen to be there on the wrong day. General rule when it comes to travelling, if you fear losing it, don't take it.
Fake products are a big problem to the companies that make the expensive stuff, and they have to defend themselves against the fakers in any way they can. So if it is a handbag that was sold as a replica - that is you knew that it was not a genuine bag and it doesn't have the logo on it, you would probably be OK. Otherwise - maybe not. If I were you, I wouldn't take it.
If you don't want to lose it, don't take it. That's simple. You probably won't have a problem, but if you do, you would lose the bag and could end up with a hefty fine.
To me, it wouldn't be worth the hassle or the worry. If it has the Louis Vuitton label on it and it is fake, don't take it. There are enough things to worry about without adding to the list.
Enjoy your vacation and enjoy your bag when you get home.
Well, I had to look this up because it seemed so improbable, but apparently it is quite real.
I'd recommend as the others did - leave the bag at home. If for no other reason than your own peace of mind
If you're entering with fake, counterfeit goods then do NOT expect to have a free pass through Immigration/Customs.
Wake up.
Cheers,
Terry
Quoting Peter
Well, I had to look this up because it seemed so improbable, but apparently it is quite real.
I didn't know that this was a thing either! It's totally logical though I guess.
I knew about it because I saw a TV show where they busted the seller of the fake bags in NY, and obviously the OP did too. I have mostly seen stuff about fake Rolex watches and that was mostly about how to avoid being ripped off.
When my dad bought a Leica camera in the US, he registered it with US customs before he left the country and went to Germany in order that he not be charged duty on it when he came back. But that was a long time ago - probably c 1960. And it wasn't a fake.
I think you use another bag, everything is much easier throught Custom.