Joint report from the OECD and EUIPO: Counterfeit goods pose significant risks

Trade with counterfeit goods poses a threat to consumers' health and safety and is detrimental to the environment. Pirated wares also have a wide range of negative consequences for global economies, a new report by the OECD and EUIPO finds. Based on analyses of international data from customs seizures and other law enforcement data, the report details how dangerous counterfeits end up in the hands of consumers and looks at the effect of the trade in fake goods for legitimate suppliers.

Several items, such as clothing, toys, automotive spare parts and pharmaceuticals have been found to be the most commonly occurring categories for dangerous counterfeits. According to the study, most of the fake goods stem from China and Hong Kong and mainly reach the EU through online sales. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated existing negative trends in the trade of fake goods.