EU seizures of fake goods up 125%

The growth in counterfeit goods has been led by pirate DVDs

Seizures of counterfeit goods being smuggled into the European Union (EU) more than doubled last year, official figures have shown.

Customs authorities across the 27 member states seized 178 million fake items in 2008, up 125% from 79 million in 2007, said the European Commission.

Pirate DVDs and CDs were the most prevalent fake goods, with 79 million disks detained, 44% of all items.

They were followed by cigarettes, 23% of the total, and clothing, at 10%.

Pirate DVDs also posted the biggest single increase in annual seizures, increasing by 2,600% compared with 2007.

Meanwhile, seizures of counterfeit medicines rose 118%, while those of fake cigarettes increased by 54%.

The European Commission said China remained the main source of counterfeit goods coming into the EU, accounting for 54% of the total in 2008.

However, Indonesia was the biggest source of fake food and drink products, while the United Arab Emirates was the main source of counterfeit cigarettes.

Most fake medicines came from India.