The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with Namibian Customs and under the sponsorship of the Japanese Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan), organized a Regional Operational Workshop on IPR Border Enforcement for the WCO’s East and Southern Africa (ESA) region in Windhoek, Namibia, from 30 January to 3 February 2017.

Twenty-five officers from 18 countries within the ESA region successfully participated in the Workshop.  WCO tools such as the Risk Management Compendium, Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), Interface Public-Members (IPM) and the Module on Risk Indicators for Spurious/Falsely-Labelled/Falsified/Counterfeit (SFFC) Medicines were the main topics covered by the Workshop.

The results of Operation ACIM (Action against Counterfeit and Illicit Medicines) were shared with the Workshop participants.  In addition, some of the participants presented IPR case studies on new procedures and challenges faced in the fight against counterfeiting, giving rise to discussions on the region’s needs. 

During the field exercise, three consignments containing IPR infringing goods of various brands were intercepted at Windhoek airport. 

On the last day, participants gave presentations on the lessons learnt during the field exercise and discussed the way forward.

The participants provided very positive feedback on the Workshop, whose dual approach (classroom and field training) was greatly appreciated.