EU crackdown on counterfeit goods nets $4.9 billion haul
According to a report by the European Commission (EC), in 2023, European Union law enforcement agencies confiscated 152 million counterfeit items worth approximately 4.9 billion Canadian dollars. Among the seized products were toys and CDs. Most counterfeits originate from China.
The number of intercepted counterfeits is at a record high. The EC reports that 77 percent more products were confiscated compared to 2022, and the value of these goods increased by 68 percent over the year.
Counterfeit toys and discs. Most from China
The report by the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) indicates that games, children's toys, CDs and DVDs, and fake labels and packaging dominated the seized items. Traffickers often send packaging and labels separately from non-branded goods to avoid detection.
Counterfeit clothes and cigarettes also appeared but made up a smaller percentage.
The report shows that most counterfeits enter the EU from China, as well as Hong Kong and Turkey. Fake labels, tags, and clothing are most often sent by mail or courier.
Italy leads in confiscations
Ninety-eight percent of the stopped goods were intercepted in 10 EU member countries, with as much as 74 percent in Italy. The value of the counterfeits seized there almost reached 2.9 billion Canadian dollars. Other countries showing good results in confiscations include France, Romania, and Spain.
The EC and EUIPO warn that counterfeit goods harm legitimate companies and pose a threat to consumer health and safety.
Last year, the EC presented a proposal for EU customs reform aimed at strengthening actions against counterfeiters. Plans include establishing a European Union Customs Authority and creating a new EU customs data centre. Work is ongoing.
