Counterfeiting is constantly increasing. In 2008, the number of counterfeit products retained by Customs in the European Union has more than doubled to reach 178 millions of products up versus 79 millions in 2007. Among all seized products, an average of 20 millions were potentially dangerous for health and safety of the European consumers.

Consumers are the first victims of counterfeiting. They basically pay (too) much for a perfume or a cosmetic product that is of poor quality with none of the safety warranties of the original product . Not only does the counterfeiter deceive consumers, but he puts their health and safety in serious danger.

Counterfeiting also threatens jobs in our industry.

That is why BPI has decided that fighting counterfeiting is one of its top priorities.