More than 41 million counterfeit goods were seized across the EU last year

More than 41 million counterfeit products were seized by the customs authorities of the member states of the European Union (EU) last year at the EU’s external borders. The total value of the goods exceeded 670 million euros, the European Commission said on Thursday.

According to the information, more than one third of the goods seized were made up of everyday products that are hazardous to health and safety, such as food and beverages, medicines, toys and household electrical items.

In the largest number, in about 24 percent cigarettes were confiscated by the authorities, 17 percent were toys, 13 percent foods and 12 percent different packaging materials. The number of seized items increased by 2 percent, compared to the data recorded in 2015. (MTI)