On August 28, 2024, customs officials from the Mobile Units Sector carried out a successful operation to prevent the illegal distribution of counterfeit goods in Croatia. As part of this coordinated action, which involved officials from the Regional Unit - Mobile Units Service Pula-Pola and the Mobile Units Service Rijeka, 3,780 items of various products with counterfeit labels of renowned global brands were seized.

The items found included a wide range of products such as sunglasses, sports jerseys, wallets, bags, backpacks, scarves, hats, belts, shawls, and phone cases. All these products bore counterfeit labels of brands such as Nike, Ray-Ban, Gucci, Burberry, Prada, Versace, Cartier, Oakley, New Era, Police, Giorgio Armani, Saint Laurent, Apple, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, and many others. Items with symbols of well-known sports clubs such as FC Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and national teams like Germany and France were also discovered.

Significance of the fight against counterfeiting
The fight against counterfeiting is becoming increasingly important in light of the growing threats that this illegal activity poses to the economy and consumer safety. Counterfeit products often enter the market through illegal channels, endangering the safety of end-users and causing legitimate manufacturers to lose substantial amounts of money due to the infringement of their intellectual property rights.

According to Croatian trademark law, the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited, and penalties for such activities may include significant monetary fines and the confiscation of goods. In this specific case, business owners from Zagreb and Medulin are facing fines totaling 19,200.00 euros. Additionally, all seized goods have been confiscated, and further sanctions against the responsible individuals may be imposed.

Customs measures and legal framework
The Croatian Customs Administration, in cooperation with other relevant authorities, continuously carries out activities aimed at protecting intellectual property rights. Customs authorities have the power to retain goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights, and such goods may be destroyed under customs supervision without further legal proceedings if it is determined that they violate the law.

This case highlights the importance of ongoing cooperation between brand owners and customs authorities to prevent the entry of counterfeit products into the market. Additionally, under European laws, consumers who knowingly purchase counterfeit goods may also face penalties, further raising awareness about the importance of buying from legitimate sources.

Threat to the economy and safety
Counterfeit products pose a significant threat not only to the economy but also to consumer safety. Such products often do not undergo necessary safety checks, increasing the risk of harmful consequences for users’ health. Therefore, measures against counterfeiting are not only a matter of protecting brands but also of public safety.

Effective combat against counterfeiting requires consistent law enforcement, ongoing public education, and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the supply chain, from manufacturers to end consumers.