The share of counterfeit goods in global trade is increasing every year. In 2023, the total value of the counterfeit goods trade was estimated at 1.023 trillion dollars. This figure corresponds to approximately 2.5% of world trade. The most common counterfeit goods are footwear, clothing, leather products and electronic devices.
Sea transport is the most preferred method for moving counterfeit goods. In addition, cargo and postal services in the form of small parcels are also frequently used. These methods are preferred in order to evade customs controls. EUIPO
Counterfeit Goods in Turkey and Their Entry Routes
Because of its geographic location, Turkey is both a target market and a transit point for counterfeit goods. According to data from the Ministry of Customs and Trade, most counterfeit goods entering Turkey arrive by sea and land. The ports of Istanbul, Izmir and Mersin, together with the Kapıkule and Habur border gates, are of critical importance in this respect.
Counterfeit goods generally come from China, India and some Middle Eastern countries. These products are stored in Turkey and released into the domestic market or sent on to Europe. Free trade zones and duty-free areas in particular are used for the transit of counterfeit goods.
How Counterfeit Goods Leave for Europe
Counterfeit goods sent to Europe via Turkey generally pass through the Bulgarian and Greek border gates by road transport. Shipments are also made by sea to Italy and Spain. These products are then placed on the market in Europe through various distribution channels.
According to OECD reports, methods such as forging documents, misdeclaring products and shipping in small batches are used when counterfeit goods enter Europe. This complicates customs controls and makes detecting counterfeit goods more difficult.
Methods of Combating Counterfeit Goods
- Technological Solutions
Technological solutions are of great importance in the fight against counterfeit goods. Intellectual property companies offer digital and invisible security solutions to verify the authenticity of products. Integrated into product packaging, these technologies help prevent counterfeiting. AlpVision
- Customs Controls
In Turkey, the Directorate General of Customs (GGM) takes various measures to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the country. Brand owners can apply to the GGM to request the detection and seizure of suspicious products. sabaip.com
- Legal Measures
The Turkish legal system contains various regulations for combating counterfeit goods. Brand owners can initiate legal proceedings against those who produce or sell counterfeit products. In addition, courts may order the destruction of counterfeit goods and the punishment of those responsible.
- Awareness and Education
Raising consumer awareness about counterfeit goods helps reduce demand for these products. Public institutions and civil society organisations inform consumers by organising awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Counterfeit goods cause both economic losses and threats to consumer safety. Because of its geographic location, Turkey lies at the centre of this problem. For this reason, counterfeit goods must be combated with multifaceted strategies such as technological solutions, effective customs controls, legal measures and consumer awareness.
In the fight against counterfeit goods, it is of great importance that both public institutions and the private sector work in cooperation. In this way, the spread of counterfeit goods can be prevented both in Turkey and around the world.