Container shipping remains the largest entry route for counterfeit goods, in terms of the value of illicit goods originating in East Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong. Less than 2% of these containers undergo physical inspection, which offers great opportunities to criminal networks, indicates a study of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Global trade in counterfeit goods totalled €2016 billion in 460.000, representing around 3,3% of all global trade. Counterfeit goods accounted for 6,8% of imports of goods from third countries into the European Union (EU), with a value of €121000 billion.
This report, which analyses the extent of illicit use of container shipping for the trade in counterfeit goods, notes that Water transport accounts for more than 80% of all international merchandise trade.
Although container ships increase efficiency and reduce costs in international trade, they can also be used illegally to transport counterfeit goods.
The study details that Seizures of counterfeit goods shipped in containers account for a relatively low proportion of the total number of seizures, but represent 56% of the total value of confiscated counterfeit goods..
Furthermore, as already mentioned, China is the main starting point for counterfeit goods transported by sea in containers, with 79% of the total value of counterfeit goods seized in containers worldwide originating there.
As the report states, Counterfeiting must be given high priority by customs officials, who must be provided with more appropriate recording and inspection techniques and tools to detect it.
Scanning containers with X-ray or gamma ray equipment can effectively detect other types of illicit trade, such as drugs, weapons or wildlife trafficking. However, it cannot detect counterfeit products, which can only be detected by physical inspection.
In this regard, Christian Archambeau, Executive Director of the EUIPO, said: “The growing concern about counterfeiting of personal protective equipment and medicines as a result of the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the need to make significant progress in the fight against this illicit trade.” He stressed: “Counterfeiting undermines legitimate trade, is often dangerous and must once again become a priority in the fight against international crime.".
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