Imported merchandise that lacks proper documentation to make entry into the United States is known as general order merchandise. After six months from the date the goods arrive in the U.S. with no entry, the merchandise is considered abandoned/unclaimed and becomes property of the U.S. government.

These items are then ordered for sale at auction, ordered destroyed, or occasionally transferred to a local municipality or other government agency for donation.

Recently, one of the CBP abandoned merchandise auctions was filmed for the Travel Channel’s new show “Baggage Battles.” This show features three teams of auction specialists looking for interesting finds at some of the most unique and colorful auctions around the world.