In 2024, authorities across the European Union detained 112 million counterfeit items, with an estimated retail value of €3.8 billion, reflecting the continued commitment to safeguard consumers and legitimate businesses against intellectual property (IP) infringements. The report, jointly published by the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), highlights the strength of coordinated enforcement across customs, police, and market surveillance authorities in all EU Member States.

Customs authorities seized around 20 million articles at the EU’s external borders (worth approximately €1.5 billion) marking a ten-year high. Despite a lower total number of items compared to the exceptional record of 2023, 2024 recorded the highest total value ever, attributed to higher unit prices of counterfeit goods. Overall, seizures increased by more than 30% compared to 2022, underlining the scale and sophistication of IP infringement across both physical and online marketplaces.

The detained products included toys, perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, CDs/DVDs (including software), as well as newer categories such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The report notes that emerging technologies and rising demand for software and retro-gaming content are fuelling the growth of sophisticated counterfeits.

Seven Member States (Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and Poland) accounted for 90% of the total volume of counterfeit goods detained, while Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands represented 90% of the total estimated value. The United Arab Emirates joined China and Türkiye among the top countries of origin, suggesting a shift in global supply chains.

The findings highlight ongoing challenges such as increasing e-commerce volumes, geopolitical dynamics, and global crises. The forthcoming Customs Reform will play a key role in strengthening enforcement to protect both consumers and domestic industry from IP theft and unfair competition.