EU fakers pose ‘real danger’

The European Commission is urging urgent action to tackle a soaring trade in counterfeit food, medicines, Viagra and children’s toys.

Brussels is highlighting “dangerous” new trends as Europe’s smugglers and fakers switch from luxury goods to everyday products.

Over two thirds, 70 per cent, of counterfeit products originate in Asia – 60 per cent from China alone.

Official EU figures show that the number of counterfeit and pirated articles stopped by customs officials increased to 100 million in 2003 – up from 85 million in 2002.

In the same period seizures of food and medicine have soared by 77 per cent and intercepts of counterfeit children’s games and toys has rocketed by 996 per cent.

EU customs chief László Kovács is urging national governments to step up the crackdown against traders in fake goods.

“Counterfeiting and piracy increasingly involve children's toys, medicines and food products and this constitutes a real danger to consumers,” said the Hungarian commissioner.

“The customs authorities of the member states are already working hard to combat this problem but we must take many more very concrete actions if we are to protect ourselves and the world from this threat to our safety and to our economy.”

“Counterfeit goods represent a growing threat to consumer health and safety.”

The commission is highlighting massive increases in seizures of counterfeit games, toys, foodstuffs, alcohol and medicines.

Smuggling of illicit shipments of the sex potency drug Viagra is seen a particular problem.

“Counterfeit Viagra has also frequently been found in commercial freights and in mail,” said a statement.

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