Combating Counterfeiting through Cooperation, Innovation, and Education

The Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) for the WCO Europe Region is pleased to participate in the 22nd Meeting of the WCO Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group, held this week at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. The CAP Group serves as a unique platform bringing together Customs administrations, international organizations, and private sector representatives to strengthen global cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy. This year’s discussions address: 🔹 Emerging global trends and risks in IPR infringement; 🔹 Use of digital tools and data analytics for targeting and detection; 🔹 Cross-border and inter-agency cooperation; 🔹 Awareness-raising and education as long-term preventive tools; 🔹 Country case studies and regional practices from WCO Members. Participating organizations include: EUIPO – promoting cooperation frameworks and data-driven tools for IPR enforcement; OECD – providing analytical evidence on the global economic impact of counterfeiting; INTERPOL and Europol – enhancing operational coordination in cross-border enforcement; WIPO – advancing the protection of intellectual property in a rapidly evolving digital economy; World Customs Organization (WCO) – leading the development of standards and capacity building for Customs administrations; Private sector and right holders – contributing practical insights on brand protection and industry collaboration. In this framework, ROCB Europe is proud to introduce a new initiative under development aimed at designing an educational model on counterfeiting awareness. The project will promote awareness across all levels of the education system — from primary schools to universities — through age-appropriate materials, creative communication, and cooperation between Customs and educational institutions. Although still in its design phase, this initiative aspires to become a replicable model for the entire WCO Europe Region, supporting Customs in building a culture of integrity and respect for intellectual property. ROCB Europe wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the WCO Secretariat — in particular to Mr. Maurice Adefalou (Head of Unit Enforcement Policy at WCO) and Ms. Rumi Hashimoto (Technical Attaché, IPR Health and Safety Programme) — for the excellent organization and coordination of the CAP Group Meeting. ROCB Europe also reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with all partners to transform shared ideas into tangible and impactful regional actions. Together, we can make awareness the first line of defence against counterfeiting.