Seizures of counterfeit goods skyrocket by 398%
Authorities in Portugal seized a staggering 3,264,653 counterfeit products during 2024, valuing over €6 million, marking a significant escalation from the previous year's seizures totaling 655,000 products.
The surge in counterfeit seizures is particularly pronounced in specific categories. Tobacco and tobacco-derived products account for the largest increase, jumping by 15,992.57%, or an additional 424,361 products compared to 2023. Counterfeiting of clothing, footwear, packaging, labels, and tags, as well as cell phones and perfumes and cosmetic products, also saw substantial increases of 906.7% and 448.59%, respectively.
While seizures related to CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, games, alcoholic beverages, and food items decreased by 73% and 73%, respectively, the troubling increase in counterfeit products is a cause for concern.
This year's figure represents the largest increase since 2016, when over 10 million seizures were made, and the report warns that counterfeiting continues to grow in tandem with the rise in e-commerce activities. Additionally, the Anti-Counterfeiting Group issued a warning about the counterfeiting of medicines, which is considered a significant issue at an international level. They have observed an alarming growth in this area, involving organized criminal groups that infiltrate pharmaceutical production lines and distribution channels.
Customs officials in Portugal reported daily seizures of small shipments via post related to counterfeit medicines. The seizures are the result of joint efforts by several organizations, including the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE), the Tax and Customs Authority (AT), the National Republican Guard (GNR), the Public Security Police (PSP), the Judicial Police (PJ), and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).
The Polícia Judiciária, Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, the National Republican Guard, the Public Security Police, the Judicial Police, and the National Institute of Industrial Property all play essential roles in detecting and intercepting illicit shipments, with activities often coordinated with international partners.
In recent times, Portuguese law enforcement has targeted both legal and illicit sectors, such as the cannabis industry, due to concerns over criminal infiltration and the potential for exporting controlled substances using fraudulent documentation. This multi-agency approach underscores the collaborative efforts employed to combat related crimes, including the trading of counterfeit medicines.
- The surge in counterfeit seizures in Portugal's retail sector extends to various industries such as fintech and general news, with warnings about the counterfeiting of financial documents and news publications on the rise.
- In the financial industry, the Anti-Counterfeiting Group has reported an alarming growth in counterfeit banknotes and credit cards, posing a significant threat to Portugal's economy.
- As the retail sector grapples with the escalating issue of counterfeit products, concerns have emerged in the fintech industry, where the counterfeiting of digital assets and online payment systems is a growing concern.
