Workshop to tackle trade in counterfeit goods in SE Asia

The IP Key SEA team contributed to the ‘Workshop on Trade in Counterfeit Food, Beverages, Cosmetics, and Fast Moving Consumer Goods’ in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, on 2-5 April. The workshop highlighted the prevalence of global trafficking in infringing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and its economic impact, as well as measures and technologies to address the problem.

IP Key SEA and EUIPO experts shared their insights during the event in a series of panel discussions covering laws and regulations, conducting investigations, deterrence measures and enforcement coordination.

FMCGs or consumer packaged goods are categorised as products that are sold quickly, including  food and beverage, tobacco products, toiletries and cosmetics, non-prescription medicines, and general consumables. The large volume of trade, limited consumer awareness and relative ease to enter markets, particularly online, exacerbates the trade in counterfeit FMCG products.