Euratex welcomes EU decision on counterfeiting
25/02/2014
Since 2011, under EU law, European customs can check counterfeit goods transiting through the EU but can only stop them if there is a risk of these goods entering into the single market. This means that customs are powerless against counterfeit goods on route to a third country, and must let them go, at the risk of these goods being illegally diverted back into the EU.
The new provisions will allow customs to stop trademark counterfeit goods even if destined to a country outside the EU and will not affect the trade of legitimate goods under the EU’s WTO international obligations.
“We salute this vote and the political courage of MEPs Marielle Gallo and Bernhard Rapkay who sponsored the transit provision,” said Euratex in a statement. “With this vote, the European Parliament signals that it is serious about stopping trademark counterfeit to protect consumers everywhere and that the EU should show leadership in the global fight against counterfeiting.”
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