Customs Training Programme- Capacity Building Programme, Bangalore
30/1/2015 | Bangalore
Smuggling and counterfeiting in India are growing in scope and magnitude with every passing day. The extent and effects of smuggling and counterfeiting are of such significance that they compel strong and sustained action from governments, enforcement agencies, business, media, legal experts and consumers.
More effective enforcement is critical in this regard, as we need to build public support to combat smuggling and counterfeiting. With this view, FICCI CASCADE organised a training program of Customs officers to sensitize them on the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting, in Bangalore on 30th January, 2015.
Mr. Harish Kumar Additional Commissioner, Customs, Bangalore, while inaugurating the programme, shared his views and insights on the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling. Mr. Kumar welcomed FICCI CASCADE for bringing such an important issue of counterfeiting and smuggling. Welcoming the training programme for Customs officers organized by FICCI CASCADE, he said that these forums proved useful for industry-customs collaboration in understanding and tackling the growing menace of illicit trade practices, and these programs should be organized across the country.
Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Ex-chairman, CBEC, sharing while his experience, highlighted the importance of creating public opinion to curb this menace. Mr. Jha emphasized that the high rates of taxes and the inter-state tax variations led to higher tax evasion. He cited the example of tobacco products such as cigarettes where the rate variation was so wide that it gave impetus to counterfeiting and smuggling activities.
The training programme was attended by over 30 customs officials, and provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the detection and prevention of the entry of counterfeit and smuggled goods into the country.
Representatives of Harley Davidson and Puma gave presentations and exhibited samples of their original products alongside the counterfeit copies. The objective was to inform the participating Customs officials about the growing problem of counterfeiting and smuggling in the respective industry segments, and to highlight key technical aspects of their products which could facilitate the detection of counterfeit products. The participating Customs officials found the presentations constructive and interacted actively both with the company representatives and among themselves.
National Consumer Rights Week, 2014, New Delhi
23/12/2014 | New Delhi
FICCI CASCADE with the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated the National Consumer Rights Week, 2014. The celebration was flagged off with a ‘Capacity Building Programme’ for Police Officials on 22 December, 2014at the Rajender Nagar Police Station, New Delhi.
Intellectual property is a tool to incentivize innovation and creativity to strengthen the economic growth of a nation. Enforcement agencies, police and customs play a pivotal role in protection of consumer rights. There areadequate laws available but enforcement of the laws makes the role of police officers most important to fight against counterfeiters and smugglers.
The training programme was organized with an objective of equipping the police officers tounderstand and take requisite action against counterfeiters and smugglers.Mr. Dipankar Barkakati, Head, FICCI CASCADE, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants at the programme.
Dr. Karunakaran, DCP training, Delhi police was the Chief Guest at theprogramme. He congratulated FICCI CASCADE on this great initiative to train officers on this very pertinent issue of counterfeiting and smuggling which is causing a huge socio economic loss. In his address he said that spreading awareness among the enforcement agencies to save the consumers from the hazards of counterfeiting & smuggling is a very essential. Products like counterfeited cosmetics, baby food, medicines, auto components impacts consumer directly and hence it is a serious health and safety concernsfor the consumers, which needs to be addressed urgently.
Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, in his address said that we must pledge to ensure consumer safety on this National Consumer Rights Week. He informed about FICCI CASCADE’s mandate of capacity building of law enforcement agencies and how CASCADE had been working extensively and intensively in this areanationally, to increase awarenesson this issue. Mr. Chand also informed that leading intelligence and law enforcement agencies have found conclusive evidence of increasing involvement of terrorist organizations and thus urged the stakeholder to take tangible actions to strengthen enforcement of IP laws and ensure protection of the consumers.
At the training programme, IP experts discussed the impact of laws in our country on innovation, investments and most importantly on the general public as well as the search and seizures for strengthening the enforcement agencies. Dr. Alka Chawla, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi sensitized the officers on the legal provisions relating to offences and penalties for counterfeiting.Mr. Vikrant Rana, Partner, S S Rana & Co. addressed the gathering on the current enforcement procedures and trends for prevention of smuggling and counterfeiting.
Industry members discussed the latest technologies to distinguish the original product from the fake ones. The training programme was successfully attended by over 60 police officers and provided a useful platformfor the exchange of ideas and experiences in the enforcement of laws and practices whiledealing with counterfeiters and smugglers. The industry speakers included Ms. Meenu Chandra, Director, IP Policy, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd. and Mr. Farooq Saleem, Deputy Manager Marketing (Brand Protection & Market Research), Hyundai Mobis India whodeliberated on the various aspects that a police officer needs to keep in mind whileinvestigating cases of smuggling and counterfeiting. The training programme ended with intensive dialogues on this issue.
While on one hand enforcement agencies such as the police play a fundamental role in protection of consumer rights, on the other hand, it is also the level of awareness amongst consumers which empowers them to know the alarming magnitude and seek discontinuance of unfair trade practices like smuggling and counterfeiting.
India has young population profile and is set to be the youngest country by 2020. Youth of India being the country’s future, it becomes imperative to understand the power of the consumers of tomorrow. With the youth becoming a key stakeholder for advocating socially responsible behavior, FICCI CASCADE believes that it is important to bring today’s youth onboard the awareness campaign and through them influence the society as a whole. An idea planted in their minds can become an instrument of change. On the occasion of National Consumer Rights Week, FICCI CASCADE organized a youth festival – ‘Youth for Consumer Rights – Towards Socially Responsible Citizens’ on December 23, 2014 at the Indraprastha World School in New Delhi. The youth festival saw participation of over 200 students from various schools of Delhi. Along with song and dance performances on the subject ‘Smuggling and Counterfeiting – A Menace’, students enthusiastically participated in the interschool Elocution and Painting Competition themed: ‘Youth Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting’. Through the competitions, not only did all witness the skills and creative abilities of the school children, but also saw the passion in them in making a change in the society by shunning fake products and saying no to smuggled goods.
To reiterate, awareness generation is extremely crucial in bringing change in attitudes from considering counterfeiting and smuggling activities as victimless crime to the realization that these cause major risks, both social and economic. A pro-active and preventative approach and strategy is the need of the hour to curb the twin menace.
Customs Training Programme, Chennai
26/09/2014 | Chennai
Smuggling and counterfeiting in India are growing in scope and magnitude with every passing day. The extent and effects of smuggling and counterfeiting are of such significance that they compel strong and sustained action from governments, enforcement agencies, business, media, legal experts and consumers.
More effective enforcement is critical in this regard, as we need to build public support to combat smuggling and counterfeiting. With this view,FICCI CASCADE organised a training program of Customs officers to sensitize them on the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting,in Chennai on September 26, 2014.
Mr. BidhanChantra, Joint Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, while inaugurating the programme, shared his views and insights on the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling. Mr. Chantra observed that taking advantage of the technology revolution, counterfeiters and smugglers were coming up with very good imitation products, and active interaction between industry and customs was the key to mitigate this growing illicit trade. Welcoming the training programme for Customs officers organized byFICCI CASCADE, he said that these forums proved useful for industry-customs collaborationin understanding and tackling the growing menace of illicit trade practices, and these programs should be organized across the country
Mr. Dipankar Barkakati, Head, FICCI CASCADE in his special address, highlighted the initiatives taken by FICCI CASCADE so far. He also emphasised on the need to curb smuggling and counterfeiting by strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement and generating awareness of the consumers on the need to fight the twin menace.
The training programme was attended by over 75 customs officials, and provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the detectionand preventionof the entry of counterfeit and smuggled goods into the country.
Representatives ofMicrosoft, Dow Corning and Puma gave presentations and exhibited samples of their original products alongside the counterfeit copies. The objective was to inform the participating Customs officials about the growing problem of counterfeiting and smuggling in the respective industry segments, and to highlight key technical aspects of their products which could facilitate the detection of counterfeit products. The participating Customs officials found the presentations constructive and interacted actively both with the company representatives and among themselves.
This initiative of FICCI CASCADE was supported by Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd and Ranjan Narula Associates, IP Attorney.
Seminar on Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy, Hyderabad
18/9/2014 | Hyderabad
India’s economic growth story has attracted the world’s attention, bringing new challenges for the domestic economy. One of the major issues for the economy and the industry is the uninhibited growth of counterfeit, fake and smuggled goods. The market for fake and counterfeit products is thriving in India and is today one of the biggest challenges faced by Indian industry. FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeit Activities Destroying the Economy – FICCI CASCADE, with the participation of all leading industries from all sectors of the economy, is committed to fight this twin menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.
FICCI CASCADE, with a view to engage all relevant stakeholders including government representatives, enforcement agencies, excise and customs, consumer activists, media as well as industry and legal experts, and to sensitize them to fight against counterfeiting and smuggling, organized a seminar on “Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy” on 18 September, 2014 in Hyderabad. The seminar brought together experts to raise concerns over the growing illicit trade and to create large-scale awareness among the impacted segments of the society.
Police Officers Training- Capacity Building Programme, Delhi
FICCI CASCADE organized a Police Officers Training Programme at the Specialized Training Center, Rajender Nagar Police Station, New Delhi on August 06, 2014. The principal purpose of the program is to share with the police officers some of the issues and challenges faced by industry which could help in understanding some of the real problems face on ground, and to keep these aspects while taking action against counterfeiters and smugglers. Mr. Kishan Kumar, Special Commissioner, Training, Delhi Police was the Chief Guest at the programme.
Seminar ReportDownload Pdf
Seminar on ‘Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy’, Bangalore
FICCI CASCADE organized a Seminar on ‘Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy’ on August 05, 2014 at Bengaluru. The seminar discussed the role of media and consumer organisations in increasing awareness on the subject and enforcement issues in addressing this menace. Besides focusing on the losses to the government and industry, the seminar also highlighted growing link between counterfeit & smuggled activities and organized crime. Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs, Government of Karnataka was the chief guest at the programme.
Seminar Report
Roundtable on Smuggled and Counterfeit Food Products – July 2014, New Delhi
24/7/2014 | New Delhi
FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) in association with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, GoI organized a Roundtable on Smuggled and Counterfeit Food Products on 24 July, 2014 at New Delhi to enhance knowledge support and learning on the subject and formulate prevention and management strategies.
The smuggled and counterfeit food products business is ‘doing well’ in our country affecting the health of our consumers. In the FMCG industry, packaged food sector is vulnerable to counterfeiting and smuggling. Counterfeiting in this area is particularly dangerous because consumption of non-standard or low quality edible food items may cause serious health ailments or be life-threatening.
Data shows that counterfeit and smuggled food products are being produced and consumed in virtually all economies, with Asia emerging as the single largest producing region. In recent years, there has been an alarming expansion of the types of products being infringed, from luxury items to items that have an impact on personal health and safety, like food and drink. The range of counterfeit and smuggled food products vary from conserved vegetables, milk powder, butter, ghee, baby food, instant coffee, alcohol, drinks, candy and sweets, hybrid corn seeds, etc. Thus the magnitude and effects of smuggling and counterfeiting on food items are of such significance that they call for strong and sustained action from the governments, business, and consumers.
A recent FICCI CASCADE study stated that in the packaged food sector, the grey market is about 23.4% which results in direct tax loss of Rs. 552 crore; Indirect tax loss of Rs. 5,108 Crore, and thus total loss to the exchequer amounts to Rs. 5,660 Cr. The sales loss to the industry was reported to be about Rs. 20,378 Crore.
Mr. Keshav N Desiraju, Secretary, Dept. of Consumer Affairs was the chief guest at the roundtable, he urged the stakeholders to come together to fight the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting. Mr. Desiraju stated that the consumers are allowing the smuggled and counterfeit market to flourish hence sustained consumer education and awareness is imperative. Mr. Desiraju also emphasized on a national movement on anti-smuggling of food products in the country.
Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General FICCI mentioned that 21st century is seeing the emergence of consumers and FICCI is acting as a conduit between businesses and consumers.
Mr. P. C. Jha, Advisor FICCI CASCADE in his address stated that the costs of counterfeiting and smuggling are not only real, but are huge. With the increase in global trade and technological revolution, there has been an increase in commission of crime related to smuggling and counterfeiting. These types of crime have increased considerably, and as a result, the government, businesses, society, and consumers have to suffer heavy financial losses. Protection against such crimes is an important element in encouraging research and innovation, international trade and investment, and sound economic growth and development.
The roundtable was attended by decision makers from Government, Quasi Government bodies and regulators such as Bureau of Indian Standards, National Test House, Legal Metrology, Consumer Protection Unit, FSSAI; leading industries such as ITC, Marico, Coca Cola, Nestle, HUL etc. and prominent Consumer Organizations such as VOICE, CUTS, CERC, Consumer Online Foundation etc who deliberated on specific issues on counterfeiting and smuggling activities in the packaged food sector. The roundtable focused on four product categories, namely, Milk & Milk Products, Bakery products + cereals (like ‘atta’), Aerated water + Mineral water, and Edible Oil – all food products which have a direct impact on the health and general welfare of consumers.
The roundtable will chart out concrete recommendations and strategies for prevention, mitigation, and management of the problem and will present a paper to the Ministry in a month’s time. The recommendations would include Focus on rural market- food product of mass consumption; Reinventing the “Jago Grahak Jago” publicity campaign especially with reference to food products; Comparative testing; Class action suits; Structured consumer awareness syllabi for young India; Market surveillance and Industry support and partnership initiatives.
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Judiciary Roundtable on Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy, Chandigarh
12/07/2014 | Chandigarh
FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) in association with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy organized a Judiciary roundtable on Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy on July 12 at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. The objective of the roundtable was to focus on issues and challenges, which the Judiciary is expected to address in resolving IP disputes in view of the changing scenario of technology and trade policies and development of the law on the subject.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Chief Justice, High Court of Punjab and Haryana was the chief guest at the event. Hon’ble Justice pointed out that though the topic of smuggling, counterfeiting and piracy is important; it has only received selective importance. He further stated that IPR is creation of human minds and these creations needs to be rewarded. However, reward will only come if it is protected. With the advancement of technology the situation has become complex and needs greater protection. Hon’ble Justice emphasized that law creation is one part but awareness creation is even more important. There is a large section that is not aware. Efforts should be made to make people aware of the legal provisions and protection available for counterfeiting, smuggling and piracy related activities.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, President, Board of Governors Chandigarh Judicial Academy and Judge, High Court of Punjab & Haryana in his special address congratulated FICCI for taking this initiative with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy in organizing the seminar which is of global importance. Hon’ble Justice remarked that a nation with strong IPR encourages both innovation and knowledge diffusion through IPR protection which in turn propels its economy. Hon’ble Justice said that India can deal with the menace of smuggling, counterfeiting and piracy with a strong IPR regime and by complying with international treaties.
Mr. Deep Chand I.P.S. (Retd.), Advisor, FICCI CASCADE in his address mentioned that the Judiciary plays an extremely vital role in our country providing legal remedies against violation of personal and property rights of the persons. The effective safeguard of the rights of right owners can be carried out by judiciary, with understanding of laws, statues and judgments. These analyses and verdicts form a definite type of law. But it is very essential that later on the same adjudication must be reliably followed. The judiciary must be able to comprehend intellectual property, identify intellectual property and predict the utility of the same. It is vital that the quantum of damage fixed in encroachment of intellectual property ought to be such that it not only protects the holder but also prevent any subsequent infringement.
Mr. Arun Chawla, Asst. Secretary General, FICCI welcomed the dignitaries and guests and stated that the costs of counterfeiting, piracy and smuggling are not only real, but are huge. With the increase in global trade and technological revolution, there has been an increase in IP crimes. Crimes relating to piracy, smuggling and counterfeiting have increased manifold in global market as a result of which the government, businesses, society and consumers are losing millions of rupees. Protection of Intellectual property is thus a vital element in encouraging research and innovation, international trade and investment, and sound economic growth and development. Mr. Chawla also shared the initiatives of the FICCI CASCADE in fighting the perils of smuggling and counterfeiting.
The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. Eminent speakers from HP, Star India, ITC Ltd, Microsoft Corporations India Ltd, U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office, Motion Picture Association India, Thought Arbitrage Research Institute, Inttl Advocare and Delhi University discussed and deliberated on various aspects such as Intellectual Property – Scope of Rights and Enforcement – An Overview; Speedy Adjudication of IP Matters for the Growth of Indian Industry; International Best Practices for Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling; Linkages of Counterfeiting & Piracy to Cybercrime – Emerging Risks to National Security; Combating Content
Theft in M&E Industry; Illicit Market: Threat to National Security and Case Study & Laws related to Smuggling, Counterfeiting & Piracy.
The day-long programme was attended by 125 trainee judges and a number of sitting high court judges.
Judiciary Roundtable on Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy, Chandigarh
12/7/2014 | Chandigarh
FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) in association with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy organized a Judiciary roundtable on Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy on July 12 at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. The objective of the roundtable was to focus on issues and challenges, which the Judiciary is expected to address in resolving IP disputes in view of the changing scenario of technology and trade policies and development of the law on the subject.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Chief Justice, High Court of Punjab and Haryana was the chief guest at the event. Hon’ble Justice pointed out that though the topic of smuggling, counterfeiting and piracy is important; it has only received selective importance. He further stated that IPR is creation of human minds and these creations needs to be rewarded. However, reward will only come if it is protected. With the advancement of technology the situation has become complex and needs greater protection. Hon’ble Justice emphasized that law creation is one part but awareness creation is even more important. There is a large section that is not aware. Efforts should be made to make people aware of the legal provisions and protection available for counterfeiting, smuggling and piracy related activities.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, President, Board of Governors Chandigarh Judicial Academy and Judge, High Court of Punjab & Haryana in his special address congratulated FICCI for taking this initiative with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy in organizing the seminar which is of global importance. Hon’ble Justice remarked that a nation with strong IPR encourages both innovation and knowledge diffusion through IPR protection which in turn propels its economy. Hon’ble Justice said that India can deal with the menace of smuggling, counterfeiting and piracy with a strong IPR regime and by complying with international treaties.
Mr. Deep Chand I.P.S. (Retd.), Advisor, FICCI CASCADE in his address mentioned that the Judiciary plays an extremely vital role in our country providing legal remedies against violation of personal and property rights of the persons. The effective safeguard of the rights of right owners can be carried out by judiciary, with understanding of laws, statues and judgments. These analyses and verdicts form a definite type of law. But it is very essential that later on the same adjudication must be reliably followed. The judiciary must be able to comprehend intellectual property, identify intellectual property and predict the utility of the same. It is vital that the quantum of damage fixed in encroachment of intellectual property ought to be such that it not only protects the holder but also prevent any subsequent infringement.
Mr. Arun Chawla, Asst. Secretary General, FICCI welcomed the dignitaries and guests and stated that the costs of counterfeiting, piracy and smuggling are not only real, but are huge. With the increase in global trade and technological revolution, there has been an increase in IP crimes. Crimes relating to piracy, smuggling and counterfeiting have increased manifold in global market as a result of which the government, businesses, society and consumers are losing millions of rupees. Protection of Intellectual property is thus a vital element in encouraging research and innovation, international trade and investment, and sound economic growth and development. Mr. Chawla also shared the initiatives of the FICCI CASCADE in fighting the perils of smuggling and counterfeiting.
The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. Eminent speakers from HP, Star India, ITC Ltd, Microsoft Corporations India Ltd, U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office, Motion Picture Association India, Thought Arbitrage Research Institute, Inttl Advocare and Delhi University discussed and deliberated on various aspects such as Intellectual Property – Scope of Rights and Enforcement – An Overview; Speedy Adjudication of IP Matters for the Growth of Indian Industry; International Best Practices for Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling; Linkages of Counterfeiting & Piracy to Cyber crime – Emerging Risks to National Security; Combating Content
Theft in M&E Industry; Illicit Market: Threat to National Security and Case Study & Laws related to Smuggling, Counterfeiting & Piracy.
The day-long programme was attended by 125 trainee judges and a number of sitting high court judges.
Consumer Rally- Fight Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting, Jaipur
9/7/2014 | Jaipur
The market for fake, counterfeit and smuggled products is thriving in India and has become one of the biggest challenges faced by the Indian industry. Not only it is adversely impacting genuine stakeholders and industry, but also the government and consumers. This calls for a nationwide campaign to highlight the issue amongst the masses and to formulate a strong and effective course of action to eliminate the menace of illicit trade.
With this view, FICCI CASCADE with CANS (Consumer Action and Network Society) organised a Consumer Rally in Jaipur on 9th July, 2014. The rally witnessed a massive and enthusiastic participation of over 500 participants from across Jaipur, Rajasthan. Consumers and students with banners stating ‘Fight Smuggling’ and ‘So No to Fakes’ participated in the rally from the city.
Mr. Deep Chand flagged off the rally and stated that the Indian Government has initiated steps to address counterfeiting and smuggling. Two major efforts stand out. First, the legal framework is fairly well developed in India. Second, the government has taken steps to protect consumers’ health and safety from dangerous counterfeits through significant education efforts. Despite these actions, however, a study by FICCI shows that counterfeit and smuggling rates remain high. Mr. Deep Chand urged the consumers to be aware and fight against the menace unanimously.
Mr. Manish Pareek, Deputy Mayor, Jaipur was the chief guest at the event and congratulated FICCI CASCADE for having taken the step of initiating this consumer movement against counterfeit and smuggled goods. The Mayor agreed that initiating the pledge to not use fake products and to fight the menace of smuggling was in the larger interest of the nation’s economy. He said that the financial & economic loss caused due to the menace of smuggled and counterfeit products in Rajasthan is considerable and he assured his full support to the cause.
The rally observed that such events make everyone conspicuous of the responsibility and the need to eradicate the problem of smuggling and counterfeiting. Smuggling and counterfeiting today has deep roots in society and the impact is far more hazardous than expected to be.
Several steps are being taken by FICCI CASCADE and the government to create large-scale awareness among the most impacted segment of this menace: the consumer. The Consumer Rally organised in Jaipur is a part of a nation-wide awareness campaign of FICCI CASCADE to highlight the issue and focus on the growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.
FICCI CASCADE encourages the consumers to take up this cause and be a CASCADER as the citizens of the country are an important force to fight this socio-economic menace and must take a pledge that they would not buy fake and smuggled goods.
