Regardless of whether fake pockets, clothing or electronics from vacation or internet – the trade in product piracy blooms. In the previous year, our customs seized 129,000 fake items in the original value of 38 million euros. In the case of illegally acquired medication – such as Viagra – there is even a risk of life.
The temptation on vacation is great to buy clothes and accessories on a fake market, although it is clear from far away that it is cheap Ramsch. But the finances not only make travel samples, it also focuses on the product pirates that bring consumer articles and medication on a large scale on a large scale.
Doubtful development
In 2024, customs in Austria discovered 6327 cases of product piracy and resulted in 9974 procedures. Measured by the original price, this is the second highest value since the start of the records. In addition, 378,109 fake and other illegal drugs were removed from the circulation. Austria is the only EU country that offers an extensive report to the parliament every year.
State Secretary Barbara Eibinger-Miedl emphasized on Thursday at a press conference that brand and product piracy was “considerable damage” for domestic retailers and manufacturers. “Last year alone, our customs officials seized around 129,000 fake items, the original value of which was more than 38 million euros,” said Eibinger-Miedl. However, tool expert Bernhard Herics warns against the supposed bargains: “Fake products are not only of less quality, but can also contain harmful materials and pose a serious danger to the environment.”
97 percent of fake products are dangerous
Consumers can not only be misled by counterfeit, they sometimes pose a great risk of health and safety. 97 percent of the registered dangerous fake products were classified as products, a serious risk of which arises. The dangers were the result of poor processing, inferior materials and lack of knowledge of safety regulations.
Targeted focus controls in postal traffic and increased checks at Vienna airport were relating to product piracy – internet trade in particular the target. The most confiscated plagiarism comes from clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry and mobile phones – including accessories and toys. Especially alarming: most of these fake products were smuggled from Asian space to Austria and were produced there on a large scale.
Strong overdose at Viagra
Medicinal falsification and illegal medicines also remain disturbing. Despite the prohibition in the Medical Investment Act, you will be ordered or smuggled by private individuals, especially via the internet, including the known potential Viagra. “97 percent of the 100-supply Viagra tablets had no effect, with the remaining three percent it was overdose,” says Herics.
In 2024, 7147 programs with a total of 378.109 and other illegal drugs were seized in Austria – an increase of six percent compared to 2023.
In the case of a risky control at Vienna airport, customs officials found 3.3 tonnes of product notes, including 13,608 fake shoes, sunglasses and handbags. The goods that must be transported to London were immediately protected. In the Vienna port, customs officials also discovered a container with 16,300 kilos of fake detergent from the Mark Persil product, which contained harmful ingredients. The freight from Turkey was destroyed under customs control.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
