Dubai Seizes Millions in Counterfeit Goods

More Than 42 Million Dirham Worth Fake Goods Seized in Early 2025

Leading the fight against counterfeit products, Dubai Customs seized fake goods worth over 42.195 million dirhams in the first quarter of 2025 across 68 separate operations. This figure clearly demonstrates the city's continued commitment to intellectual property protection and maintaining a fair market.

What Was Seized?

The confiscated goods included luxury watches, sunglasses, electronic devices, clothing, fabrics, bags, and shoes. These products are usually counterfeited with the logos of well-known brands, misleading consumers. Their goal is clear: to achieve quick profit by exploiting consumer trust.

The Key to Prevention: Training and Awareness

Dubai's Customs does not only rely on checks but also places a significant emphasis on prevention. Part of this involves organizing workshops with law firms, providing specialized training for customs officers. In the first quarter of 2025, 31 officers were specifically trained to more effectively identify counterfeit products.

Awareness campaigns not only target inspectors but also involve brand owners and other government bodies. Such collaboration is crucial, as the protection of intellectual property is not only an economic concern but also vital for preserving society, the environment, and public trust.

Notable Results Already in 2024

In the previous year, the customs authority uncovered 285 intellectual property infringement cases, valued close to 92.695 million dirhams. Additionally, they registered 159 trademarks, 63 commercial representations, and one intellectual property-related asset. As a result of increased awareness, a total of 439 trademarks, 205 commercial agencies, and six intellectual property assets were registered in 2024.

Serious Consequences: Even Prison Possible

The UAE enforces strict laws against counterfeiting. Article 49 of Federal Law No. 36 of 2021 states that anyone intentionally counterfeiting or imitating a trademark to deceive the public can face imprisonment and a fine of at least 100,000 up to 1 million dirhams, or both.

Additionally, it is punishable if someone knowingly uses a counterfeit trademark for commercial purposes, or imports or exports such goods. The suspect must prove either ignorance of the goods' counterfeit nature or that they notified the exporter about it.

Continuous Cooperation for a Secure Market

Authorities do not fight alone. Customs regularly collaborates with other governmental entities and brand owners. The common goal is to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the local market and protecting consumers from products that pose quality and health risks.

Summary

Dubai's authorities tackle counterfeiting with regard for not only economic impacts but social safety too. Actions taken in the first quarter of 2025 clearly show that the trio of enforcement, training, and regulation is an effective strategy against counterfeit products. The city sets an example in effectively handling one of the modern economy’s biggest challenges—the spread of counterfeiting.

(Source: Dubai Customs Press Release.)