Maple sugar makers urge FDA to crack down on fake maple products
New England maple sugar makers are urging the federal government to crack down on fake maple products, and calling for stronger enforcement of truth-in-labeling laws.
Maple groups from Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and other states wrote to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this month (PDF) saying unchecked misbranding allows cheap products using artificial flavor to compete with products containing real maple syrup.
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/03/maple_sugar_makers_urge_fda_to.html
Lear MoreClear market of fake products, employers tell govt
The President of Ghana Employers Association (GEA), Mr Terence Darko, has appealed to the government to flush out of the markets traders who deal in counterfeit products.
That, he said, was necessary to protect the local industry from the threat of unpatriotic people. The president made the appeal at the association’s annual gathering in Accra last Thursday.
Mr Darko observed that apart from the issue of counterfeit products, employers were already faced with what he described as unpredictable and unstable macroeconomic environment.
Abu Dhabi DED Confiscates Over 10,000 Counterfeit Beauty And Skincare Products And Fines 12 Unlicensed Truck Drivers
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, DED, has seized 10,231 counterfeit beauty and skincare products in an inspection campaign launched by its Commercial Protection Directorate, CPD, in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi.The CPD also issued 12 fines against vehicle owners who transported products without a license in Zayed City Centre in Abu Dhabi and the Industrial Zone in Mussaffah after an inspection campaign.Ahmed Tarish Al Qubaisi, CPD Acting Director, said that the DED will continue the campaigns which aim to combat commercial fraud in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and put an end to the phenomenon of unlicensed commercial activities.
http://www.abudhabicityguide.com/news/news-details.asp?newsid=20827&newstype=Local%20News
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N.C. man charged after discovery of 20K packs of untaxed cigarettes
A North Carolina man was arrested Saturday after Maryland Transportation Authority Police found him to have more than 20,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes in his car. MdTA police said the man, Ammar M. Shamakh, was pulled over for speeding and officers discovered the cigarettes shortly thereafter throughout the vehicle’s interior. The cigarettes are worth more than $133,000, police said.
“I’d like to thank the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for this arrest. They continue to be a great partner in Maryland’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal cigarette smuggling,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot in a statement. “This type of large-scale cigarette smuggling hurts law-abiding retailers, makes it easier for kids and teenagers to get cigarettes, and deprives the State of vital revenues.”
At Least 11% of Russian Dairy Products Counterfeit in 2015
Up to 11 percent of all dairy products in Russia were found to be counterfeit by the country’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor in 2015, the TASS news agency reported Monday.
However, in some cases up to 50 percent of certain categories of dairy products were found to be counterfeit, Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert said, TASS reported.The higher the fat content, the higher the chance that the product is counterfeit, according to Dankvert.
Cheese and sour cream are the products which are most often counterfeit, according to Rosselkhoznadzor.
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Counterfeiters target silver bullion products of multiple manufacturers
Manufacturers in China continue counterfeiting genuine bullion products, primarily of U.S. companies, causing financial headaches both for the makers of the genuine pieces and for the fakes’ secondary market buyers who are unaware of the bogus pieces.
More than a half dozen U.S. makers of 1-ounce silver bars and rounds have been targeted repeatedly by counterfeiters, with the knock-offs offered for sale on the individual websites of the Chinese distributors and manufacturers, as well as Alibaba.com, an international trade site headquartered in China.
Moreover, a Staten Island, N.Y., coin dealer reports he was recently duped into buying 225 counterfeit pieces, bars and rounds that are composed of silver plate over brass or a zinc alloy. The alleged seller is identified as being sought by authorities in Gloucester County, N.J., for bilking two New Jersey dealers with similar counterfeit bullion products.
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Poundstretcher sued for ‘selling fake bottles of Head & Shoulders’ as big brands launch fight against ‘copycat’ discounters
The brand behind Head & Shoulders is suing Poundstretcher over claims the budget retailer has been selling counterfeit shampoo and conditioner.
Procter & Gamble filed a High Court action against the shop, accusing them of infringing its trademark by selling bogus versions of the haircare products between 2013 and 2014.
The U.S company is also taking action against two wholesalers, Home and Beauty and J&S Brands, over the same allegations.
It is the latest in a string of court actions which leading brands have taken against high street traders and supermarkets in a bid to ward off trademark infringement.
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Illegal smuggling of tobacco products goes on unabated
The Vizianagaram district, which is just adjacent to Odisha and close to Chhattisgarh states, is becoming a hub of illegal business of tobacco products like gutkha and arrack. Lack of proper vigilance by excise, police, and other government agencies have become beneficial for traders of North Andhra region who are tactfully transporting various products through check posts, and also in other ways too.
Vizianagaram has one interstate check-post at Kuneru in Komarada and another at Sunki in Salurmandal. These are the border points to enter the State from Odisha, and the commercial tax, excise and other staff should check every vehicle but the staff stationed here is being manipulated by the traders of Parvathipuram, Vizianagaram, Salur and bringing the products, which are banned in the State.
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U agreements to fight cigarette smuggling
An idea regarding an upcoming European Parliament meeting. MEPs will quiz the Commission on the four agreements currently in force between the EU and Philip Morris International (PMI), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Imperial Tobacco Limited (ITL) and British American Tobacco (BAT) to fight cigarette smuggling. Members will ask for an assessment, including the possible financial implications, and will question whether these agreements should be prolonged. The agreement with PMI is due to expire in July 2016.
We can attend the Parliament meeting and get all the details. Is it likely that MEPs will extend the agreement? If it is, and if it is not, how will this affect the European tobacco industry?
http://www.internationalnewsservices.com/stories-for-sale/38224-2
Lear MoreThailand Tobacco Monopoly to award authorities for cracking down on illegal cigarettes
The smuggling of cigarettes has reportedly been on the rise, following the excise tax hike.
The news has prompted Thailand Tobacco Monopoly (TTM) to announce its plan to crack down on the illegal cigarette sales. TTM Director DaonoiSuthinipapan said that a total of 10 million baht has been set aside to award government officials, police, and soldiers who have successfully arrested cigarette smugglers.Under the TTM incentive program, A pack of illegal cigarettes is worth three baht in reward money. Authorities can earn 1,000 baht for every 500 packs confiscated. The TTM will also pay an additional 50,000 baht for 25,000 packs found.