EU: accessory counterfeiting doubles

The European Commission has published the number of counterfeit products seized at EU frontiers by customs police: 50 million articles in the first six months of 2003 (85 million for the whole of 2002).

The most significant increase was in the mobile telephone sector (+503% in 2002 compared to 2000), but in two years the figures have also doubled in the clothing sector, with accessories (eyewear, belts, bags) top of the list.

According to the data, counterfeit articles are no longer only luxury objects, but include convenience goods: food, medicines, batteries. The CD, DVD and cassette sector, however, showed a decrease in the number of items seized: 12 million in 2002 compared to 40 million in 2000.

(Source: Asca)