Date: 6 April 2023 | R D S College, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

FICCI CASCADE organised a seminar on “Preventive Strategies to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 5th April 2023 to raise awareness and outreach amongst the policy makers, industry, media and enforcement officials in building a proactive strategy to curb this growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling. The winners of the competition were awarded at the seminar. 

Mr. Gopal Meena, Commissioner, Muzaffarpur, Govt of Bihar was the chief guest at the programme. Mr. Meena highlighted that counterfeiting and smuggling poses significant health and safety threats to consumers and such awareness programs will play a paramount role in protecting them from the hazards posed by illicit trade. He stated that before buying any product consumers should check the originality of the product by using advanced technological solutions such as bar codes, QR codes, holograms etc. He further urged them to take strong and effective measures to combat this growing menace.

Mr. Pankaj Sinha, Inspector General of Police, Bihar in his address stated that smuggling and counterfeiting impacts the economic stability of the country. India has vast porous borders which further adds to the problem of smuggling. Mr. Sinha mentioned that effective enforcement action, increased border management, better surveillance mechanisms, latest technology, enhanced consumer awareness and more youth engagement are few measures to address the twin hazards of smuggling and counterfeiting.

Mr. Pranav Kumar, Collector, Muzaffarpur opined that awareness is the key in eradicating the growing menace of illicit trade impacting our day-to-day life, which needs to be addressed on a priority. He emphasized to ask a bill while making a purchase to safeguard the consumers from being duped by illicit market operators. Mr. Kumar congratulated FICCI CASCADE for taking the initiative to spread knowledge and empower the public by organizing such an enlightening seminar in the state of Bihar.

While giving the overview on smuggling and counterfeiting, Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) highlighted that they are a huge area of concern as it impacts the health and safety of the general public, along with revenue losses to industry and tax losses to the government. The individuals engaged in such illicit trading activities have established criminal networks that have expanded globally. Mr. Jha apprised that staying vigilant is the need of the hour for fighting the menace of smuggling & counterfeiting.

Mr. Rajiva Ranjan Verma, Former Director General, RPF, NCRB, Civil Defense, Home Guard & Fire Services and BPR&D accentuated that by raising awareness about the harmful impact of illicit trade, we can keep the public informed and educated about the dangers and consequences of illicit trade. Mr. Verma mentioned that undoubtedly, the vision and support of youth is paramount in freeing the nation from the grip of illicit trade.

FICCI CASCADE is implementing various measures to raise widespread awareness in society about the grave danger of smuggling and counterfeiting, with the aim of preventing their detrimental impact. FICCI CASCADE has arranged a series of programmes throughout the country to underscore the escalating threat of illegal trade and to promote effective preventive measures to tackle this issue.