Switzerland makes it easier to destroy counterfeit goods

Switzerland has implemented a regulation that will make it easier to destroy counterfeit products entering the country in small consignments.

The new procedure, due to come into effect on July 1 this year, will enable rights holders to take action against counterfeits "more easily and efficiently," according to the Swiss federal authorities.

The current procedure for destroying these goods is very labour intensive for the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security because both the rights holders and the buyers have to be informed

In the simplified procedure, only the person who ordered the goods will need to be informed initially of the interception at the border and – assuming they consent – the counterfeit can be destroyed right away.  If they object to destruction, the rights holder will be informed so that they can can take the next steps.

Over 90 per cent of counterfeits detected at the Swiss border are in small consignments containing up to three objects, according to the federal government.

A recently published report from the OECD, which estimated that counterfeit goods account for approximately 2.3 per cent of world trade with a value of $467bn , highlighted small shipments as one of the main channels for distributing fakes due to "speed, convenience, and lower risk of inspection."

According to the Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication (FOITT), branded clothing, handbags, shoes and luxury watches make up a large proportion of counterfeit products, most of which are ordered online and enter Switzerland by post or courier.

From July 1, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will be responsible for both the simplified and ordinary procedure for small consignments.