Customs took my son's stuff - is there any compensation?

Fake brand names are counterfeit goods, and it's illegal to bring them into the United States. There is no compensation for the merchandise seized by customs. The same is true for DVDs if they contain pirated versions of copyrighted material such as movies or software. There is no personal use exemption. A person can even be fined or prosecuted for bringing them in, so just having them seized is getting off easy.

In theory, customs destroys the contraband material and throws it away or incinerates it. In practice, well, working in customs does have its unofficial perks for those who are dishonest.

Counterfeit goods are illegal, even if they're for your own use. The customs officers are responsible for keeping counterfeit items from coming into the country. There is no compensation; what your son was doing isn't legal. Sorry, I know it's not what you want to here but the laws are there for a reason, and your son chose not to follow the law.

I believe there is a "limit" to what is consider "personal use" when you bring items like this through customs. When you try to claim "large" quantities are for personal use, they don't really believe you? I am only guessing since his stuff was taken, he probably had an excess amount and they weren't buying his story of "personal" use? And I doubt that he will be compensated for what they took. It's doesn't matter that he paid for it, it's based on what's allowed to come through customs! (do you realize why this is illegal),

If I were him, he should be happy that's all they did to him (it could have been worse!)

be glad they didnt fine him

if you read

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/vacatio...

it states not to bring in counterfit items else the customs will take them..

so you are out of luck...

You can always call CBP and notify them of the situation. They may be able to compensate you, but it is rare that they do.

Good luck!