The EU Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) report revealed that action was taken on 2937 cases of suspected counterfeited or pirated body care products (over 4.8 million items) at the external borders of the EU.
It was highlighted that items for daily use such as shampoos and toothpastes accounted for a ‘significant part’ of all products detained (over 43,000 cases involving over one hundred million products), the most common of which included cigarettes, clothing and luxury goods.
Majority coming from China
According to the report, the biggest percentage of registered body care articles that were detained came from China (46.81 per cent). Other countries included the United Arab Emirates, Italy and Turkey, with 21.35 per cent, 13.38 per cent and 8.17 per cent respectively.
Taking into account all product sectors, 64 per cent of all IPR infringing articles came from China, including clothes and accessories, electronic equipment and tobacco products.
The majority of products held by customs (more than 77 per cent) were either destroyed or a case was brought to court in other to establish whether the goods involved were genuine or counterfeit, the Commission said.
Commission pledges to remain vigilant
The Commission has pledged to remain vigilant with respect to counterfeit products in order to protect both businesses and consumers.
“The role of EU Customs is to protect our citizens and businesses. Fake products can pose a serious health and safety risk for consumers and cheat legitimate businesses. The Commission and Member States will continue to work with international trading partners and industry to ensure the highest level of protection for intellectual property rights in the EU,” said Algirdas Šemeta, Commissioner for Taxation, Customs, Anti-fraud and Audit.
A proposal aimed at improving legislation and simplifying current procedures on customs actions against IPR infringing goods is being worked towards by the Commission, and is expected by the end of the year, it was said in a statement.
Combating counterfeit goods can be helped by good cooperation with international trading partners and industry, the Commission said. It was highlighted that the Action Plan signed between the EU and China focused on enhancing cooperation in IPR customs enforcement is expected to be extended until 2012.