Report: Crisis has resulted in fewer fake goods

One positive effect of the global economic crisis? Fewer counterfeit or pirated products at European Union borders in 2009, says a new European Commission report.

The total number of articles seized last year was a quite substantial 117,959,298, according to the report. But this pales in comparison to 2008, when officials nabbed a whopping 178,908,278 goods. The number of total interceptions also dropped from 49,381 to 43,572.

But EU customs officials shouldn t take a breather yet, suggested John Taylor of the commission s customs and tax directorate. Although the number of EU imports plunged by 23% in 2009, shipments stopped by customs dropped only by 12%, he said.

If there s one encouraging piece of news for officials, it s that they have a keen eye for fakes: in only 4% of cases were the seized goods judged to be original. In 47% of cases goods were destroyed, while another 23% of cases resulted in court proceedings.

Clothing, at 27%, accounted for the most cases, while tobacco products were the most-seized by volume at 35 million pieces. The report also shows a worrying spike in counterfeit daily goods such as food, body care, toys and medicine, many of which could pose a danger to consumers health. Luxury brands such as handbags have traditionally been hit hardest by fakes, which can sell for thousands of dollars cheaper than the real thing.

France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom were among the most popular ports of entry for counterfeits in both number of cases and articles. As for the items countries of origin, China was the worst offender with 64% of detained goods, up from 54% in 2008. But other countries won out in certain categories: Turkey specialized in food and drink, the United Arab Emirates dispatched the most medical products, and Egypt was on top for toys and games.