Customs raises the alarm: Discovered millions of forgeries in Austria!

Customs raises the alarm: Discovered millions of forgeries in Austria!

Flughafen Wien, Österreich - In 2024, Austrian customs managed to document an alarming increase in product pirate valley. A total of 6,327 cases were uncovered and 9,974 procedures were initiated, which resulted in a total value of the confiscated goods of over 38 million euros. This has been the second highest value since the start of the recordings, such as 5min.at

The extensive checking of the customs ensured 378.109 fake and illegal medication. These figures make it clear that counterfeits not only increase in traditional areas such as clothing and accessories, but also affect everyday devices, auto parts and in particular medication. Deceptively real counterfeits can be significant health risks, since they often use inferior materials and disregard important security standards.

The effects of product piracy

The State Secretary Barbara Eibinger-Miedl emphasizes that product piracy not only harms the domestic dealers and manufacturers, but also undermines the innovative strength and economic strength of Austria. Right -wing rights -intensive sectors provide about 29.8% of all jobs in Austria and contribute 44.2% to the gross domestic product. According to the German Economy Agreement against Product and Trademark Piracy (APM), the annual losses of sales for German companies amount to between 20 and 30 billion euros through brand piracy.

These circumstances mean that companies have to invest more funds in the protection of their brands. According to a study by PWC, more than every second decision -makers believe that protective measures have to be expanded. Here, new digital security solutions and integrated data management systems are increasingly used to counter the challenge of product piracy, which also creates opportunities for innovative business chances. Companies are increasingly willing to invest in technologies to prevent counterfeits and thus preserve their customers' trust.

customs controls and fake goods

Customs controls are increasingly focusing on postal traffic and internet trade, as well as on increased reviews at Vienna Airport. The most common attacks concern fake clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, mobile phones, accessories and toys. Over 97% of the dangerous counterfeits discovered were classified as potentially dangerous. A current example are the 443 pieces of car accessories and 73 hair dryers, which were secured on May 21, 2024 at Vienna Airport from a broadcast from China.

The health risks that arise from fake products are considerable. In particular, counterfeiting of detergents that can contain harmful or environmentally harmful substances are worrying. On July 9, 2024, over 36,000 fake clothes were secured in a container in Hall in Tyrol, while in September 2024 the Viennese port was target of controls, in which 21 pallets with around 16,300 kg were destroyed.

The ongoing increase in counterfeits shows that a surrounding and long -term strategy is necessary to contain illegal trade. Companies not only have to invest in preventive measures, but also in strengthening their trademark rights and the clarification of their customers about the dangers of counterfeits.