12 October 2018
The European Commission has produced its latest set of figures on Customs’ detentions of articles, suspected of infringing intellectual property rights (IPR) in 2017.
Unfortunately, this is the third year in succession that the number of seizures have fallen and of course it is particularly worrying that, "overall seizure figures”, across the EU, were down by 24%.
However, whilst the total number of fake products seized (31m) is down by 10 million, EU Border Forces have prevented over 13 million potentially harmful products entering the market (9% more than the previous year). Foodstuffs, toys and cigarettes now make up the top three categories.
The UK’s figures are down by 29% and again, while this is very disappointing, ACG appreciates that customs resources have been run-down in many countries throughout the EU. The UK is no exception and on top of this they our Border forces have increasing and competing priorities.
With this in mind, ACG appeals to UK Government to take a more serious look at how it expects to protect our borders, our businesses and consumers from a growing and menacing threat, which appears to becoming an accepted evil.
Please see the full report, and the FACTSHEET: Fake goods seized at EU border
ACG represents more than 3,000 brands affected by this influx of fakes into the UK and delivers an international network of information, advice and contacts on all aspects of IP protection. Working with Government and law enforcement agencies since 1980, ACG is focused on providing an effective and sustained response to counterfeiting.
Membership with the ACG is the best way to work with government and enforcement bodies to protect your brand. Our Roadshows and training days help you reach out to police, trading standards and border force officers and tell them about your genuine products.