Combating the trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is a priority for the World Customs Organization (WCO).

 

Consumers, the business community, the art world and even the international health industry are no longer safe from the devastating economic and social consequences of the trade in fake goods. In fact, the abuse of intellectual property rights has become a lucrative criminal empire of huge proportions with the proceeds of this illegal activity being used to fund organised crime and international terrorism.

 

The alarming increase in this trade has compelled me to organise a meeting at WCO Headquarters in Brussels from 2-3 November 2006 given the unique position of Customs as the first line of defence. This meeting, which is by invitation only, will enable all stakeholders to take stock of the latest trends at borders and consolidate international efforts to stamp out counterfeiting and piracy.

 

Sadly, 2006 may be remembered as a record breaking year for seizures, both in terms of number and size. It is therefore incumbent on us to rethink our policy in order to ensure that it is more in tune with what is actually happening on the ground. This meeting will provide the ideal opportunity for the WCO to present the new initiatives that it intends to launch in the very near future.