In mid-January 2023, Austrian customs was able to confiscate a consignment consisting of 44.830 counterfeit branded products at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. This was on the way from China via Austria to Poland.

It is common for consignments of goods to be checked at the first EU airport, even if they are only in transit to another member state of the European Union. This is what happened in mid-January 2023 with the 73 boxes from the People's Republic of China. Customs officers found 44.830 counterfeit products of various product groups and brands. These included 14.564 counterfeit sunglasses, 23.060 cell phone accessories, 1.640 pairs of sports shoes and 308 luxury handbags. The total weight of the smuggled goods seized was over two tons.

“This case demonstrates the importance of domestic customs. Shipments that are actually only in transit abroad must also be prosecuted if they contain freight that does not comply with our regulations. With this action, our customs have once again contributed to protecting trademark rights and thus the correctly acting companies. The goods were temporarily confiscated and the rights holders of the original brands were notified,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.

The further procedure is now the decision of the trademark owner, a procedure based on the violation of trademark protection is possible.