The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) has just published its Annual Report and is warning businesses to be prepared for an increased number of counterfeit products to hit the streets when the current health crisis is over.
Fake goods imported to the UK are worth over £13 billion and result in losses of £4 billion to the retail and wholesale sector. Fears are that we will be facing an even wider range of substandard and dangerous fakes.
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Phil Lewis, Director General at the Anti-Counterfeiting Group warned that criminals will be working overtime to manufacture and stockpile counterfeits, in readiness to market and sell their goods.
“We need to be prepared”
Phil explained: “As the counterfeiters’ are working hard to profit from the coronavirus pandemic, they will also be planning for the future. We need to be prepared and ahead of the game.
“It is vital to have experts on the ground, who can put plans in place to tackle criminal networks in the UK, but also understand the situation, systems and laws in countries where most of the counterfeits come from, such as China, Turkey and India.
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“Our Annual Report shows what brands can do when working in collaboration with ACG and enforcers. Together we are making a difference by tackling high level counterfeiting and preventing distribution on the ground and online, whilst advising governments and working in partnership to warn consumers about the growing risks of buying fake product.”
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