AAFA Urges USTR to Add Facebook, Instagram to 2026 Notorious Markets List
The American Apparel and Footwear Association asked the Office of the United States Trade Representative to place Facebook, Instagram, Alibaba.com, AliExpress and DHGate on its 2026 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. The association said its recommendation reflects data from its membership of 1,100 brands and retailers across the fashion space.
Lamar said counterfeiters use online platforms to deceive consumers with fraudulent listings that mimic trusted brands and may contain hazardous chemicals. He added that a February 2025 study found 41 percent of 39 lab‑tested products failed international safety standards. AAFA noted that brands cannot police counterfeits alone and must constantly monitor marketplaces, a whack‑a‑mole effort many lack bandwidth for.
“Counterfeiters increasingly use online platforms to deceive consumers with fraudulent listings that mimic trusted brands to sell products that fail to meet basic safety standards and may contain hazardous chemicals or other dangerous substances,” Steve Lamar, president and CEO, AAFA said.
Commercial fraud and the sale of duped fashion products are on the rise, and the American Apparel and Footwear Association is urging the federal government to take action against online platforms it believes pose the greatest threat to the market. The proliferation of dupes and fakes across online platforms like Facebook and Instagram is undercutting U.S. fashion brands and endangering consumers, the group said.
What we know
Five platforms were nominated: Facebook, Instagram, Alibaba.com, AliExpress and DHGate
AAFA’s membership includes 1,100 brands and retailers
41 percent of 39 lab‑tested products failed international safety standards
The recommendation was made on Thursday
The review is for 2026