Brussels, 13 November 2024
Today, the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) published their 2023 joint report on the EU enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). The report provides an overview of the work carried out by EU customs officials responsible for the enforcement of IPR and highlights the growing need for continued action against counterfeiters.
According to the report, around 152 million items infringing EU IPR worth an estimated €3.4 billion were seized in 2023. This represents an increase of 77% compared with the previous year. The most seized items include games, toys and packaging material.
As the volume of trade increases, particularly in e-commerce, EU customs authorities operate under increasing pressure. Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate businesses, but also pose a threat to the health, safety and security of EU consumers.
This is why the Commission has put forward a proposal for the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968. It establishes an EU Customs Authority, a new EU Customs Data Hub while it also equips EU customs authorities with a stronger regulatory framework and new tools. These measures will facilitate more fluid information exchange, easier identification of problematic supply chains and increase product safety across the Union. A common EU approach will allow for a more harmonious enforcement of EU rules and contribute to a safer and more competitive Single Market.
More information on the 2023 IPR report and the EU Customs Reform is available online.