EU Seizes Record 152 Million Fake Items Worth €3.4 Billion in 2023
(Brussels, November 13, 2024) – European Union authorities seized a record number of fake items in 2023, worth an estimated €3.4 billion.
The European Commission’s annual report on counterfeiting and piracy revealed that 152 million counterfeit and pirated products were seized at the EU’s borders and within the bloc last year. This represents a significant increase from the 129 million seizures made in 2022.
The most common types of fake goods seized were clothing and accessories (37%), followed by cigarettes (25%), toys (15%), and food and beverages (10%). Luxury brands and pharmaceutical products were also targeted by counterfeiters.
The report also highlighted the involvement of organized crime in the production and distribution of fake goods. Many counterfeit items are manufactured in China and other Asian countries, and then smuggled into the EU.
“Counterfeiting and piracy are a serious threat to the European economy and consumers,” said EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. “We are working closely with our partner countries to disrupt these criminal networks and protect our citizens.”
The EU is taking several measures to combat counterfeiting and piracy, including:
- Strengthening border controls and customs enforcement
- Increasing cooperation with law enforcement agencies in source countries
- Raising awareness of the dangers of counterfeit goods
- Supporting research and innovation to develop new anti-counterfeiting technologies
The European Commission is also working with industry to develop voluntary measures to combat counterfeiting. For example, the “Authenticity Guarantee” program allows manufacturers to apply a secure hologram to their products, which can be used to verify their authenticity.
Despite the progress made, counterfeiting and piracy remain a major challenge for the EU. The Commission estimates that the trade in fake goods costs the European economy up to €60 billion per year.
Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing goods, especially online. They should only buy from reputable retailers and be wary of products that are significantly discounted. If you suspect that you have purchased a counterfeit item, you can report it to the authorities.
EU seized record 152 million fake items worth €3.4 billion in 2023
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