ROCB Europe Highlights Key Takeaways from WCO’s 21st Working Group on Counterfeiting and Piracy

On October 29–30, 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) convened the 21st Meeting of its Working Group on Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together customs administrations, private sector representatives, and international organizations to address the growing threat of counterfeit goods in global trade. The Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe actively followed the discussions, which focused on the latest trends in intellectual property (IP) rights violations, with particular attention to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and digital goods. The meeting placed strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation with the private sector, including e-commerce platforms, brand owners, and automotive manufacturers, to jointly tackle the complex and evolving nature of counterfeiting and piracy. Stakeholders explored ways to improve risk assessment, intelligence sharing, and targeted operations, especially in vulnerable areas such as Free Trade Zones and the e-commerce supply chain. The event also featured updates on the implementation of WCO enforcement tools and IP-related training resources, as well as the importance of building customs officers' skills in identifying counterfeit products at borders. ROCB Europe, in alignment with WCO strategic objectives, remains committed to enhancing the capacity of customs administrations in combating illicit trade and protecting public safety and legitimate commerce. The Office continues to promote training and cooperation efforts on IPR enforcement, supporting Member administrations across the WCO Europe Region through targeted programs and regional dialogue.