Eliminating counterfeiting demands buy-in from all parties

Counterfeiting is fast becoming a major concern, placing huge strain on customs officials across the globe. According to Norbert Conchin of the World Customs Organisation, counterfeiting has increased drastically in recent years and expectations are that the problem will only get worse in the future. “Customs and trade are going to have to pool their resources and work together if they want to rid the world of counterfeiters,” said Conchin. The WCO has for this reason incorporated a model on counterfeiting in its e-learning programme, which is used in more than 100 countries to train not only customs officials but all members of the supply chain. “Knowledge is key to eliminating counterfeiters who seem to be everywhere,” says Conchin. “It is no longer just the odd Rolex or Ralph Lauren suit being counterfeited – everything and anything goes and it is big business.” And the counterfeit goods are continuously being moved between countries – and customs has to be on the ball to target them. “It is important that everyone – be it the manufacturer, the freight forwarder, the warehouse or the exporter and importer – knows everything about counterfeiting and understands the concept and how to effectively police it.” Whether it is drugs or clothes, toys or perfume the digital space has opened a new world of counterfeiters. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, up to 8% of the world’s trade at any given point is made up of counterfeit and pirated goods. It is a multi-billion dollar industry and there seems to be no end in sight. “Our predictions are that it will get worse,” says Conchin. And volumes have already drastically increased. In the United States the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection seized $57 million worth of goods in 2001. By 2007 that figure had risen to $100 million. “The rules are changing all the time in this fast-paced world we live in. Counterfeiting is a definite challenge facing us in the future,” says Conchin. Constituting a very real threat to the global economy it is therefore imperative to create awareness, understanding and policies to deal with the issue, he said.