Customs officers worked during the Ambiente fair including the Remanexpo hall, which saw customs officers, accompanied by OEM representatives, remove items from some companies on Saturday 4th February.
Customs officers from the main customs office in Darmstadt identified complaints at this year’s consumer goods fairs Creativeworld and Ambiente, including REmanexpo, at 27 stands and subsequently removed 1,630 suspected counterfeits from circulation.
“The main customs office in Darmstadt is a complete success after a long Corona break,” said Tanja Ackermann, Spokeswoman for the main customs office in Darmstadt.
Most of the goods seized, in particular highlighters, pencils, glasses and thermos flasks, come from China, but also from India and Turkey, customs explained.
The officials also seized catalogues or removed the pages on which the forgeries were depicted. “This is the only way to prevent the plagiarisms from being ordered at the trade fair and being sold later. Plagiarisms harm both the economy and the population,” said Tanja Ackermann.
However, the controls are also about safety, customs added: counterfeit products usually do not meet the respective standards of the German authorities. “For example, ingredients that are banned in Germany can be used in production. This could pose a health risk,” said Ackermann.
In addition, official test marks were used without the products being tested and certified by the responsible body. Consumers and manufacturers alike rely on these signs because they indicate the safety and quality of the products. The counterfeit test marks shown were cut or blacked out from the exhibition boards and catalogues.
Around 15 customs employees travelled in two groups for two days in the exhibition halls on different routes. They were accompanied and supported by representatives of affected original manufacturers.
24 criminal proceedings were initiated. The stand holders concerned provided security totalling €54,500 ($58,664) for the expected penalties and court costs. The amount of the security deposit was determined by the public prosecutor’s office, customs said.
The seized goods will be destroyed after the procedures have been completed.
