Abraham to chair hearing to crack down on imports of counterfeit products
Congressman Ralph Abraham will chair a hearing Tuesday to examine ways to use blockchain technology to protect American consumers from dangerous and counterfeit goods from overseas.
“Counterfeit products entering the US present a dangerous problem for consumers. For example, one of my staffers ordered sippy cups for his toddler from an online retailer. What he received were counterfeit cups with sharp edges that were produced by a nameless, unaccountable business in China. This is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a broader problem. This hearing will look at how we stop dangerous products from overseas from reaching American households,” Dr. Abraham said.
Blockchain technology has proven to have broad potential to help businesses improve efficiency, generate savings and enhance security, particularly in regards to supply chain industries. The hearing will examine how to take the blockchain principle and apply it combat counterfeit and dangerous goods from overseas. Consumers ultimately bear the burden of supply chain problems in the form of higher prices and wasteful spending from the purchase of counterfeit products.
The hearing will feature the following witnesses:
•Dr. Douglas Maughan, Cyber Security Division Director, Science, and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
•Robert “Bob” Chiaviello, IPR Counsel, Nuby Law
•Michael White, Head of Global Trade Digitization, Maersk
•Chris Rubio, Vice President of Global Customs Brokerage Staff at UPS