The customs administration of the Republic of Croatia conducted a major operation on September 5 and 6, 2024, in the Istria region, during which counterfeit products of renowned global brands were discovered and seized. Officials from the Mobile Units Sector and the Rijeka Customs Office, in cooperation with colleagues from Pula, coordinated inspections of retail spaces in Umag. The result was the seizure of 1,557 items of various goods marked with logos of well-known fashion and sports brands.

Among the seized products were jerseys, bags, caps, keychains, and various other fashion accessories. The products were marked with trademarked brand names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, Gucci, Prada, and many others, including popular sports clubs like Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Since the store owners did not have the appropriate rights to sell these products, misdemeanor proceedings have been initiated.

Threat to intellectual property and consumer safety

Counterfeit products pose a serious problem for intellectual property protection, as well as for consumer safety. These products often do not meet the safety standards that originals must satisfy, which can result in them being dangerous to use. The customs administration regularly cooperates with rights holders to ensure that such products do not enter the market.

Such offenses are increasingly recorded in tourist centers like Umag, where there is high demand for luxury and branded products. However, many consumers are unaware that they are purchasing counterfeits, which can lead to not only financial damage but also potential health risks.

Tougher penalties and confiscation of goods

According to Article 138 of the Trademark Act, traders selling counterfeit products face hefty fines. In this case, the total fine amounts to 18,966.00 euros. Additionally, all seized items will be permanently confiscated and destroyed to prevent their further distribution on the black market. These measures serve as a clear indication that counterfeiting will not be tolerated and that all offenders will face appropriate consequences.

It is important to note that such actions are part of a broader European plan to combat counterfeiting, which involves cooperation between customs services and intellectual property protection organizations. There is also growing awareness of the need to educate consumers to reduce the demand for fake products.

The customs administration continues monitoring

This is not the first time that Croatian customs services have carried out such an operation. In fact, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of seizures, especially in coastal areas where tourists often unknowingly buy counterfeit products. The customs administration therefore continues to monitor and plans intensified controls during tourist seasons as well as outside of them.

Awareness of the counterfeiting problem is rising not only among relevant institutions but also among consumers. More and more people are becoming aware of the dangers posed by fake products, and campaigns that inform the public about these issues have become a crucial part of the fight against counterfeiting. By purchasing from legitimate sources, consumers not only support the rights of brand owners but also protect their own safety and health.

This successful operation by the Customs Administration is another step towards combating illegal trade in counterfeit goods. Considering the harmful consequences for the economy, safety, and consumer health, such operations demonstrate the important role of customs services in market protection. Cooperation between national and international institutions, as well as ongoing monitoring of suspicious transactions, are key factors in the continued fight against this type of crime.