Medicines and cosmetics among the most counterfeit products distributed in Europe
Counterfeit medicines, test kits and personal protective equipment are on the trade list of counterfeit products dangerous to health which, according to a report by the European Intellectual Property Office (Euipo) and the Organization for the Protection of Human Rights Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are increased in Europe during the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the Euipo and OECD report, the pandemic has aggravated already existing trends, namely a sharp increase in seizures of fake medicines, test kits and protective devices, as well as a number of other products.
Counterfeit products, economic damage and job losses
In fact, this phenomenon is also growing in other high-risk sectors, such as, for example, that of alcoholic beverages, where disruption of supply chains and changes in demand have opened up new opportunities for criminals. EUipo recalled that, in addition to the economic damage and job losses caused by piracy, counterfeit products are potentially responsible for many negative effects. Eg on safety when it comes to fake batteries or auto parts, or the environment, when it comes to chemicals or pesticides. Without neglecting the health risks of counterfeiting pharmaceutical or food products.
Counterfeit products, customs seizures and police data analyzed
The report, called “Dangerous counterfeits. Trade in counterfeit products that pose risks to health, safety and the environment “ analyzes data on customs seizures and other police data to examine how these risky products can end up in the hands of consumers. Regular suppliers must adhere to strict standards to ensure that their products do not cause harm unlike the “non-laws” used by “criminal” suppliers. The most frequently discovered counterfeit products, according to the report, are those related to pharmaceuticals, perfumery, cosmetics, clothing, toys, ending with spare parts for cars.
Counterfeit products, 60% of the total seized is online
For dangerous products destined for the EU, online sales accounted for 60% of global seizures. And of these, cosmetics and drugs were the most popular (46%), followed by clothing (18), toys and games (17) and auto parts (8). Most of these counterfeits come from China (55% of global customs seizures) and by Hong Kong (19%), which together account for almost three quarters of the seizures, while 9 out of 100 come from Turkey. And where do these products go? With 47% of global customs seizures of the most dangerous counterfeit goods destined for the EU, Germany was by far the top EU destination in 2017-2019, followed by Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Austria.
Counterfeit products, the main distribution is by parcel post
In terms of distribution, postal parcels, Due to the growing popularity of online shopping, they are the preferred shipping method for counterfeiters. Due to their small volume, they complicate the control and detection processes carried out by the customs authorities. THEn total, 60% of dangerous goods were shipped via postal services, with sea freight being the preferred means. The director of the EUipo, Christian Archambeau, argued that “the illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated products poses a major challenge to the world economy as it fuels organized crime, undermines good public governance and threatens the recovery of NextGeneration EU, the plan developed to recover the European economy after the pandemic “. “Furthermore, dangerous counterfeits pose significant risks to health, safety and the environment” Archambeau concluded. Many of these dangerous products also carry dual risks at the same time. A counterfeit crop protection productfor example, it can be harmful to both the environment and human health, while one car battery counterfeit can cause serious damage to human health, safety and the environment.