Why avoid counterfeit goods?

There are lots of good reasons to avoid counterfeit goods

Counterfeit goods can be hazardous to your health and safety

Counterfeit goods can be dangerous to your health or in other ways, because they are produced without any control by the authorities, and they do not meet safety regulations. This is true of medicines and toys as well as other types of goods, such as spare parts for cars and electrical appliances. Certification marks and authorisations such as the CE mark may also be copied. 

Counterfeiting is illegal

It is illegal to manufacture and exploit counterfeit goods commercially. As a principle, both the manufacturer and the distributor of counterfeit goods are acting against the law, when they are trying to sell you a counterfeit. 

More information on what is illegal is available here.

Counterfeit goods may be sold as part of organised crime

Counterfeit goods are sometimes part of organised criminal activities. Criminal group can thus obtain part of their financing through the sale of counterfeit goods. As a consumer, you may be supporting these groups by buying counterfeit goods.

Information on SKAT’s competence to suspend the release of counterfeit goods imported from countries outside the EU is available here.