ABF seized A$16-million-plus of counterfeit and pirated goods last year
- Latest News
- Monday, 01 August 2016
The Australian Border Force (ABF) seized more than 190,000 individual items of counterfeit and pirated goods worth about A$16.9 million during the 2015-16 financial year.
The items, which were seized at the border, include toys, clothing, cosmetics, electronic appliances, mobile phones and phone accessories.
ABF commander Customs Compliance Erin Dale said many people believe importing counterfeit or pirated goods is a victimless crime—but that simply is not the case.
“Counterfeit and pirated goods not only rob legitimate businesses of income, but they can also present a serious safety risk to consumers,” said Dale.
“While many counterfeit goods look similar or even identical to the real thing, items such as hair straighteners and mobile phone chargers can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
“Consumers buying counterfeit items are not only receiving a flawed and potentially dangerous product, but are also supporting an illegal trade, with the sale of counterfeit goods often linked to serious criminal activity.”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that international trade in counterfeit products represents up to 2.5 per cent of world trade, or as much as A$618 billion.
