News 
In 2019, customs offices seized 2,905 consignments from commercial traffic, which is 70% more than in the previous year.
This notable increase is due to the boom in the online sale of counterfeits, as well as targeted checks carried out by the Federal Customs Administration. Tourist traffic also showed a 10% increase, although this is a moderate change compared to the previous years.
Counterfeiting and piracy are increasing worldwide. In the last five years, the number of small consignments coming from Asia into Switzerland has increased sixfold. Handbags, clothing and watches are still the most common counterfeit goods. The number of counterfeit watches has increased by 5% since last year. Personal care products and products relating to mobile telephony, including parts and accessories, are gaining ground in the counterfeiting industry.
Anything that is popular and sells well is counterfeited. Even reputable online marketplaces are not immune to counterfeits. There are already some brands that no longer want to offer their products via this type of platform because copies of their products are also for sale on the same sites. “We are appealing to consumers to be responsible. It is important to always look at so-called ‘bargains’ with a critical eye, to pay attention to where you order goods from and not be blinded by online advertising and low prices,” says Eveline Capol, head of the Stop Piracy Secretariat. Fake online boutiques are also on the rise. These not only copy individual products, but also entire websites and online shops.
March 19, 2020