EU crackdown on counterfeit goods hits record high in 2023
According to a report by the European Commission (EC), in 2023, European Union law enforcement agencies confiscated 152 million counterfeit items worth 3.6 billion 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 there were 77 percent more products confiscated compared to 2022. 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, Hong Kong, and Turkey. Fake labels, tags, and clothing are 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 2.1 billion dollars. Other countries with notable confiscations included 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 to strengthen actions against counterfeiters. Plans include establishing a European Union Customs Authority and creating a new EU customs data center. Work is ongoing.
