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EU seized record number of fake goods in 2008

The European Union (EU) seized a record 178 million articles of counterfeit goods at its borders in 2008, an increase of 126 per cent compared to 2007, the European Commission said on Thursday.

About 20 million articles, or 11 per cent, were potentially dangerous to the health and safety of EU consumers, they comprised food, beverages, medicines and toys.

The number of customs detentions was also a record high. There were more than 49,000 in 2008, an increase of almost 13 per cent compared to 2007.

About 79 million CDs and DVDs were seized, accounting for 44 per cent of the entire goods seized, followed by cigarettes (23 per cent), and clothing and accessories (10 per cent).

The number of seized DVDs increased by 2,600 per cent in 2008 compared to 2007, medicines by 118 per cent and cigarettes 54 per cent. — Xinhua

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