Abu Dhabi cracks down on fake goods

Abu Dhabi has seized 40,000 counterfeit goods during the year so far in a massive drive against fakes that flood the market.

This is a major increase from the 10,000 items that were seized in 2009, Sharjah-based Arabic language daily Al Khaleej reported quoting Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi, Director of Commercial Protection Department of Economic Development.

He said a large chunk of the fakes netted were construction materials, electronic gadgets, shoes and clothing.

The announcement came on the sidelines of an exhibition against fake goods that was inaugurated on Sunday by Mohammed Omar Abdullah, undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development. Held under the patronage of Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, head of the department, the exhibition will run till December 18.

More than 15 private companies are participating in addition of the ministries of health and economy.
Al Rumaithi said that until November 2010, the department’s inspection campaigns fetched 39,335 pieces of fake goods carrying stamps of reputed brands.

While 16,975 pieces were sanitary ware and construction materials, 11,952 pieces of electrical and electronic products, mobile phones and automotive parts were seized.

Among the fakes were 1,235 food products, 8264 pieces of clothing, footwear and accessories, and 116 pieces of cosmetics.

After inaugurating the event, Mohammed Omar Abdullah said there was an effective coordination between the department and the Ministry of Economy to fish out fakes.

He said there were well-coordinated GCC-level efforts to detect and destroy fake goods from the market. This is based on the legal framework set up in the region to prevent fake goods from entering the local markets, he said.

He said amendments to the law that handles commercial fraud is now under consideration of the council of ministers. This aims at handling the issue more effectively.
 

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