Customs are the front line troops in the battle against counterfeit products. They account for about 90% of counterfeit goods confiscated in Europe, and 70% in the world.
The WCO has a unique position in respect of national customs authorities and has launched an innovative initiative to facilitate the exchange of information between the private sector and customs, in order to improve the identification and seizure of counterfeit products.
The WCO introduced IPM to the world's senior customs officials during the WCO Council Meeting in June 2010 when the Cotonou Declaration was signed.
IPM is a secure communication tool for the exchange of information between Right Holders and customs administrations.
IPM provides Right Holders with access to the WCO's tools and publications related to combating counterfeiting including:
- The ‘genuine/fake' data base that field customs officers can access
- The ' genuine/fake ' information provided to national customs authorities
- A compendium of national legislation on intellectual property rights (project)
- 'Counterfeiting' reports by sector (project)
- Any other tools and publications based on the requirements of the different players
The ‘genuine/fake' database is filled with product information, provided by Right Holders. By highlighting key aspects of elements such as brand name and product appearance, packaging and routes, Right Holders give customs officers valuable information to help them distinguish between genuine and fake products.
It is:
- A continuous training tool available to customs officers in the field
- Accessible via customs officers' intranet
- Updated in real time by the Right Holders
Easy access to the ''genuine/fake'' data base by field customs officers using their own systems (intranet), in their own language
Active promotion of the IPM project by the WCO politically (at meetings and congresses), and in the field during operations and training programmes for national customs officers
Right Holders will have numerous functions for managing anti-counterfeiting activities:
Write, edit and publish product data sheets
A directory of Right Holders representatives
Training management
Secure communication between the different players
Seizure reports
Assistance with Applications for Action
For customs authorities:
- Free access
- From early 2011
For Right Holders:
- Access through an annual subscription based on sales revenues
- From September 2010
