Press / Leaflets

ICCE and its Members Raid in Egypt and the UK!

As part of the overall strategy of positive action against counterfeit activity, ICCE co-ordinated the ‘voluntary surrender’ of counterfeit imaging supplies in the UK, and assisted in achieving two raids in Egypt.

Thousands of Euros worth of counterfeit imaging supplies were seized and destroyed in particular, Epson, HP, Canon and Lexmark products. Phil Scrase commented, “These ‘raids’ clearly show the wide geographical presence of counterfeit; in these cases stretching from the African Continent to Western Europe.  In both cases, the counterfeit imaging supplies were sourced from China.”

We thank the authorities, both in the UK and particularly in Egypt.

The continuing involvement of organised crime in the area of product counterfeiting has in turn required a new resolve from brand owners and authorities.  Thus, in May 2004, during the Global Anti-counterfeiting Congress, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation, brand owners, customs officials from around the world , Interpol, National and European Commission government officials resolved to join forces to fight counterfeiting, the growth crime of the 21st Century. 

ICCE and its members continue to prevent counterfeit product reaching the consumer.  Even so, the following general advice from the US Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) should help those who wish to be cautious:

  • Buying from a store you can trust. Street vendors, flea markets and fly-by-night stores often serve as outlets for counterfeits.
  • If a price is so low it seems hard to believe, chances are the product is a counterfeit. Watches retailing for $1,000 or more cannot realistically be sold for as low as $50, no matter what the discount.
  • Examine trademarks closely. Labels should be exactly the same size, shape, and color as the real product.
  • Don't look only at labels or trademarks. Check the product itself. Make certain the materials and construction live up to the actual product's reputation for quality.
  • Also check the packaging. The printing on the packaging for counterfeits is often of poor quality and is a telltale sign that the product contained therein is counterfeit.
  • When in doubt, do not buy!