'Aid shipment to Ukraine': Customs seize counterfeit branded products in VIE

Based on a tip, the route and the type of packaging, a shipment from Hong Kong via Dubai was subjected to a precise customs check in mid-September 2022 during a priority check in the customs warehouse at Vienna Airport. As a result, it turned out that it was a direct hit.

168 presumably counterfeit branded products were found in 6.420 boxes. The shipment, which weighed more than 2 tons, was temporarily stored and the trademark owners were notified. The delivery contained 300 pieces of earphones, 1.611 pieces, 388 pieces of clothing and accessories, 2.080 pieces of logos in the form of various badges, 1.277 pieces of sports shoes, 46 pieces of bags, 332 pieces of watches and 386 pieces of packaging, all counterfeits from well-known brands.

The smaller forwarding company from Vienna stated afterwards - when the forgeries were recognized - that the shipment was intended as a kind of "relief delivery". The violation of trademark law can now cost the company dearly, and there is a risk of proceedings with the right holders.

“Product piracy damages the right manufacturers and retailers. What is particularly reprehensible in this case is that the fraudsters wanted to enrich themselves regardless of the suffering and hardship of the people in Ukraine. Our customs officers do a professional and prudent job of enforcing our rules and protecting honest entrepreneurs from unfair competition," said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.