Is it illegal to buy and use counterfeits in the EU?

There are no common European rules prohibiting consumers from buying or using counterfeits. Consequently, the individual legislation of each country determines whether it is illegal or not. In Denmark, it is not illegal to buy and use counterfeit products. In some countries within the EU, laws are much more severe, with the risk of fines for buying counterfeits. Legal or illegal, it is inadvisable to buy counterfeits, because they come with risks for your health and safety. You may also be aiding organised crime when buying counterfeits.

FAQ

General

How do I find out if the goods I’ve bought are counterfeit?
Why do authorities concern themselves with counterfeit goods at all?
Can I buy counterfeits abroad over the Internet?
I have bought a product in an ordinary shop and was told it was genuine. It turns out it is a counterfeit. Now what?
What can I do to stop counterfeiting?
Is it illegal to buy and use counterfeits in the EU?
On a British website I can buy goods of Danish design. Can we buy the goods and is it legal to have them sent to Denmark?

Customs control

What will SKAT do if they get suspicious about the importation of counterfeited goods?
Is it SKAT who determines whether the goods are counterfeited or genuine?
On what grounds is SKAT detaining possible counterfeited goods?
Where will SKAT carry out their customs checks?
Are there special rules concerning counterfeited goods that I bring in my luggage?

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals

Has counterfeit medicinal products been found on the Danish market so far?
Has counterfeit medicinal products been found on the European market so far?
What types of medicinal products are typically counterfeited?
How does the sale of counterfeit medicinal products take place and what can be done to prevent it?
Does The Danish Medicines Agency take actions to investigate whether there are counterfeit medicinal products on the Danish market?
What should consumers be aware of when buying medicinal products from locations other than the pharmacy?

Digital piracy

Can I download music that is posted without consent from the right holder when it is only for personal use?
Is it only allowed to download, if you do it from your own computer?
Can I make a copy of a computer game to have an extra game?
Can I make a copy of a CD to listen to it on my mp3 player?
What is the difference between analogue and digital copying?
Can I download music from an internet radio?
Can I use professional help such as a print shop to make a copy of a textbook?
Can I copy text, pictures etc. from web pages?
When does the copyright expire?

Last updated: Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Are there special rules concerning counterfeited goods that I bring in my luggage?