2024, Fighting Counterfeits Across Borders: Customs Data Reveal Trends and Realities

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2024, Fighting Counterfeits Across Borders: Customs Data Reveal Trends and Realities

In 2024, customs authorities worldwide strengthened measures against small consignments and de minimis shipments, with notable progress in EU internal market enforcement and China’s customs protection actions. This article compares official statistics from Japan, the U.S., EU, China, and South Korea, highlighting the latest trends in product categories, source countries, and transport modes, as well as practical points businesses should keep in mind.

Table of Contents

Country Summaries (2024)

Japan (Customs)

  • Seizures: 33,019 cases (+4.3% YoY)
  • Items seized: 1,297,113 (+22.8% YoY)
  • Estimated value: ¥28.2 billion
  • Source country: China 80.6% (cases)

United States (CBP, FY2024)

  • Seized 32.36 million items (+95% YoY)
  • MSRP equivalent: $5.4 billion
  • 97% de minimis shipments (courier/postal)
  • Source: China/Hong Kong majority

EU (2023 data)

Latest available data: 2023 border + internal market

  • Seized 152 million items (+77% YoY)
  • Estimated retail value: €3.4 billion (+68% YoY)
  • Postal/courier = majority of cases; seaborne = highest value

China (Customs)

  • Protection measures: 53,200 times
  • Seizures: 41,600 cases / 81.6 million items
  • Rights holders from 58 countries/regions

South Korea (KCS)

  • Detected 102,219 cases / 1.429 million items / 230 tons
  • YoY: Cases +19.9%, Items +6.6%, Weight −10.7%

Common Trends: Source Countries & Transport Modes

AspectJapanU.S.EUChinaKorea
Main source countries China (80.6%) China, Hong Kong China dominant (Covers both exports/imports) High share from China
Main transport modes Postal (87.7%) Courier/Postal (97% de minimis) Postal/Courier (cases) / Seaborne (value) Cross-border e-commerce Courier lists dominate

IPR Types: Trademarks Dominate, Others Growing

Across all regions, trademark infringements are the most common. However, China and Japan also reported a rise in patent and copyright cases, indicating a shift from logo counterfeiting toward technology- and design-based infringements.

Product Categories

(Examples: apparel, footwear, electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, toys — listed by prevalence in each jurisdiction)

Health & Safety Risks

  • Electronics/battery products: overheating, fire hazards
  • Cosmetics/pharma: false labeling, skin irritation
  • Toys/children’s products: toxic substances, choking hazards

Enforcement Measures

  • U.S.: Tightened de minimis shipment oversight, expanded data sharing
  • EU: Broader enforcement within internal markets (administrative + market surveillance)
  • China: Stronger customs protection, focus on cross-border e-commerce
  • Japan & Korea: Postal/courier measures, faster cooperation with rights holders

Practical Checklist for Businesses

  • Update IPR registrations and customs recordations
  • Prepare quick-reference evidence packages for courier/postal shipments
  • Set up removal flows with market surveillance authorities
  • Educate consumers on counterfeit detection and official purchase channels

References

  • Japan Customs Annual Seizure Statistics (2024)
  • U.S. CBP Intellectual Property Seizure Statistics (FY2024)
  • EUIPO/EC Reports (EU Border & Internal Market, 2023)
  • China Customs Administration Publications (2024)
  • Korea Customs Service Reports (2024)

Intellectual Property,未分類