The WCO and GSMA signed an agreement to collaborate in the fight against the counterfeiting and fraudulent trading of mobile devices. The partnership will focus on the integration of the GSMA’s mobile device database with the WCO’s IPM mobile platform that will give Customs officers global, real-time product information on devices enabling them to assess the authenticity of device shipments as they cross borders.
“The trading of counterfeited mobile devices is a global issue that has a number of severe consequences to its victims such as safety concerns related to the release of substandard devices as well as an impact on the reputation and revenue of rights holders,” said John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd. “This collaboration with the WCO will allow Customs officers to access the most accurate information available on bonafide phone data that will help in the fight against the trade of counterfeit devices.”
The GSMA administers the allocation of IMEIs via Type Allocation Codes (TAC) and runs the world’s authoritative database of registered devices. The WCO’s IPM web and mobile platform is a global security gateway that allows Customs officers to verify the authenticity of products online. It also allows manufacturers or rights holders to share relevant product information which is made available in real-time to Customs organisations that can add this information to their consignment checking procedures.
“The integration of the GSMA database into our IPM platform is an important step in the fight against counterfeit and illicitly traded mobile devices. We are very proud to be able to work in partnership with GSMA as well as manufacturers of mobile devices, making available to Customs officers around the world, through our IPM platform, information and product details that can effectively assist our day-to-day operations.” said Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO.
The partnership will combine GSMA device data with rights holders’ interfaced data pools as well as the unique information a rights holder has uploaded into IPM enabling Customs officers to scan and verify the IMEI codes of mobile devices and make instant and informed decisions. Customs officers and rights holders also have the ability to contact each other instantaneously via the IPM platform and exchange information in real-time. The move is intended to improve cross-border trade procedures, assist with the rapid detection of counterfeit goods and secure the international trade supply chain.
About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.
For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.
About the WCO
Representing 180 Customs administrations around the world, the WCO is the steward of international Customs standards and the central forum for co-operation and dialogue on Customs matters. Its main function is assisting Customs administrations to achieve their objectives, especially effective application of Customs controls while efficiently facilitating legitimate trade. Visit: www.wcoomd.org. For more information about IPM, please email ipmcommunication@wcoomd.org.