Past Events

Webinar on Communication, Coordination and Collaboration- Strengthening the fight against counterfeiting and smuggling

26/11/2020

It has long been known that counterfeiting and smuggling make up a vast ‘global businesses’, representing a multibillion-dollar illegal industry that creates a significant drain on the world economy. Further, it negatively impacts legitimate economic activity and facilitates an underground economy and organized crime that deprives governments of revenues for vital public services, forces higher burdens on taxpayers, dislocates hundreds of thousands of legitimate jobs and exposes consumers to dangerous and ineffective products. It is the world’s largest growing industry, and its size is estimated to range between $650 million to $3 trillion according to multiple studies.

No country is immune to the impact of counterfeiting and smuggling and no single sector can be said to be an exception. The wide availability of such products is one of the biggest challenges faced by Indian industry, impacting ‘Brand India’ globally.

FICCI has been focusing on the need to curb the problem of counterfeits, pass offs and smuggled goods, and accordingly has dedicated a forum by establishing CASCADE – Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy. FICCI CASCADE works closely with industry, consumers, media, legal experts, consumer organizations and government to create awareness on how counterfeiting and smuggling have become a serious menace to public health and safety, and why all concerned must make a concerted effort to contain this menace.

in spite of several measures taken by all stakeholders to contain counterfeiting and smuggling, further steps are required, both in the form of policy intervention and awareness generation to address this socio-economic scourge. It is with the above background, FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organized a webinar on ‘Communication, Coordination and Collaboration – Strengthening the fight against counterfeiting and smuggling’ on 26 November 2020.

Dr. Amar Patnaik, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha in his keynote address at the webinar elaborated that in order to drive India’s economic resurgence, the parallel economy in counterfeiting and smuggling has to be addressed. This would help if India wants to achieve a $ 5 trillion economy in 2025 and aim to take it to $ 10 trillion by 2027. He further added that measures such as public policy and strong enforcement are much needed to address this twin threat.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chair, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said that despite several measures taken by all stakeholders, further steps are required, both in the form of policy intervention and awareness generation to address this socio-economic scourge. Mr. Rajput further reiterated the need for establishing a coordinated national strategy to share intelligence, best practices, and cooperation on cross-border investigations to contain smuggling and counterfeiting

While highlighting the need for all the stakeholders to work in sync to combat this menace, Mr Deepankar Aron, Commissioner, GST (Appeals), Dehradun, Uttarakhand said, “Right data sharing with the right people at the right time is important in order to address this issue.” Further, on the enforcement scenario, Mr Aron said, “In just one-year, fraudulent imports exports worth Rs 2000 crore were detected leading to 200 arrests on white-collar crimes by the DRI, Eastern region.”

FICCI CASCADE has been over the years conducting multi-stakeholder dialogues focusing on identifying opportunities for joint actions between governments, enforcement agencies, industry and consumer organizations to combat this menace. The webinar brought together policymakers, think tanks, enforcement agencies, industry, and consumer organizations to deliberate on industry issues in tackling the flow of counterfeit, smuggled, and spurious products not only in the offline markets but on the online market space too.

The webinar saw participation from the e-commerce giant, Amazon who’s Director for Category Management, India, Mr. Noor Patel discussed measures that Amazon employs to check the proliferation of the issue and highlighted their innovative mechanisms and advanced technology solutions in blocking and tracing bad actors. Mr. Milind Palany, Global Brand Protection Lead – India & South Asia, Johnson & Johnson discussed the collaborative role of government and industry in thwarting this menace such as the need for collaboration with customs through data sharing mechanisms and knowledge dissemination. Speaking on the role of consumers, Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, International Consumer Policy Expert, JAGO GRAHAK JAGO stated that there is a need to engage consumers more effectively if counterfeiting and smuggling needs to be tackled successfully.

It is unfortunate that the problem of smuggling and counterfeiting has only compounded in the current situation where the world is facing severe disruptions due to COVID-19. The criminals, on the other hand have used the pandemic as an opportunity to exploit the vulnerable consumer and organizations causing significant damage. Mr. Deep Chand, Former Spcl. Commissioner of Police, New Delhi and Advisor, FICCI CASCADE in his concluding remarks said that It is imperative that businesses take proper steps to protect consumers from the proliferation of scammers and infringers that seek to take advantage of the current crisis.

webinar on Combating Counterfeit and Smuggled and Pirated goods- During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond ,Kerala

27/10/2020 | Kerala

Be Vocal for Local and Prevent Illicit Trade

Illicit trade, smuggling and counterfeiting have been a huge challenge for humankind for many decades where they rob the government of its rightful revenue, pose health and security hazards to citizens and create a plethora of problems for the society at large. While the centre and state governments have been playing a proactive role in dealing with this issue, FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) has also been highlighting the ill effects of this adversary and eliciting response from stakeholders to concertedly address this problem especially during the current crisis. It is with the above background that FICCI CASCADE organized a webinar on ‘Combating Counterfeit and Smuggled and Pirated goods During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond’, on 27th October 2020 focusing on the State of Kerala. The webinar was a part of a series of such events which are being organised across the country as part of a nation-wide awareness campaign to highlight the issue and focus on the growing menace of illegal trade.

Mr P Thilothaman, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Govt. of Kerala, was the Chief Guest at the webinar. In his inaugural address, Mr P Thilothaman said, “We need to create consumer awareness and substantially reduce the illicit market operations for a conducive environment for growth and development in the country.” He further added, “Consumer awareness on fake and smuggled goods is low and hence many consumers are unaware that they are buying such goods and equally unaware of the consequences. Protecting and promoting the welfare of consumers has become one of the major concerns of our government and organizing awareness programs such as these will help to educate and sensitize the consumers.”

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE welcomed the dignitaries and during his address, complimented the Kerala Government for their high levels of vigil to deter any illicit activities in the state. He said, “Despite having multitude of challenges owing to COVID-19, the enforcement agencies of Kerala have seized large number of illicit liquor, fake sanitizer products, gold, tobacco products and much more.” Highlighting the Prime Minister’s Vocal for Local initiative, Mr Rajput emphasised, “I could not imagine a better time for the Hon’ble Prime Ministers clarion call of Vocal for Local-Atmanirbhar Bharat, which to my mind could alleviate the pain and catapult India to even greater heights in the future.”

Dr M I Sahadulla, Co-Chair, FICCI Kerala State Council and MD, KIMS Healthcare Management Ltd. said, “Kerala being a consumer state, the opportunity is more for illicit traders. Hence, it is essential to create awareness and put an end to such nefarious activities.”

Mr. P. C. Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in his address said that among the different aspects of economic activity, manufacturing in small and medium enterprises which engages large number of people has been severely impacted because of COVID-19 and lockdowns and hence there is an urgent need to put it back on its feet. Promoting local manufacturing and use of indigenous products will not only increase share of manufacturing in the country’s GDP, create job opportunities in India and drive home the value of indigenously produced goods, but will also build ‘Brand India’ and deter cross border illicit trade.

Perspectives from Kerala Police was shared by Mr S Sreejith, IG, Crime, Kerala Police; Mr Sumit Kumar, Commissioner of Custom, Preventive, Kerala Customs shared the custom department’s vision in addressing the issue. Some of the key suggestions included:

• • Need for a wide scale programme to educate both industry and citizens about the dangers of smuggled and counterfeit goods.
• • Convergence of the stakeholders to address the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.
• • Information based preventive action is a key tool to catch the perpetrators of illicit trade.

The webinar was also addressed by industry leaders from diverse sectors including Mr Deepak L Aswani, Co-Chair, FICCI Kerala State Council and Managing Partner, Lachmandas & Sons; Mr V Noushad, Managing Director, VKC Group Companies; Mr Varkey Peter, Managing Director, Mothers Agro Foods Pvt Ltd.; Mr Paul Francis, Managing Director, KLF Nirmal Industries (Pvt) Ltd and Mr Dileep Narayanan, Head-Bullion & Treasury ,Malabar Gold Private Ltd. They highlighted that the problem of illicit trade has only compounded in the current situation, where criminals have used the pandemic as an opportunity to cause significant damage on the economy of the nation, health, and safety of the consumers. The speakers also reiterated that consumer safety, safeguarding legitimate businesses while promoting indigenous production will play a significant role in the path to our economic recovery.



Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting, Smuggling and Piracy , Jammu & Kashmir

16/10/2020 | Jammu & Kashmir

Over some time now, trade in counterfeit, smuggled and pirated goods has developed into a substantial threat to the economy of our country and pose serious safety and security hazards to the society at large. Different government agencies are involved at various stages in tackling such crimes, right from detection, investigation, prosecution and prevention of such offences, often including the recovery of the proceeds of crime. The Police department is the primary law enforcement agency in our country. With low barriers to market entry and infiltration, the Police play a very significant role in ensuring the protection of right owners. There are adequate laws available, but enforcement of the laws makes the role of police officers even more important in the fight against counterfeiters and smugglers.

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy [CASCADE] in its endeavor to combat crimes related to smuggling and counterfeiting has over the years been sensitizing the country’s enforcement agencies on this issue, equipping them to understand and take requisite action against the various economic offenders. Keeping the above in view, FICCI CASCADE organized a training programme on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling for the Police Officers of Jammu and Kashmir on 16th October 2020. A key objective of the program was to sensitize the officers on the seriousness of the socio-economic impact of counterfeited and smuggled goods, in terms of the huge revenue losses to the government and industry as well as the significant health & safety consequences faced by consumers.

The training was inaugurated by Mr. Manish K Sinha, IPS, Inspector General, Crime, Jammu and Kashmir Police. Mr. Sinha in his address said, “Tackling the crimes of smuggling and counterfeiting of goods has been a major concern of nations since decades. Jammu and Kashmir forces have always been on toes to capture these wrong doers. We are also planning to develop advancements for better enforcement.” He further said that illegal trade not only leads to revenue loss to the government but also leads to unemployment amongst the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, who may be then tempted to join undesirable and illegal activities.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, in his address informed about FICCI CASCADE’s mandate of capacity building of law enforcement agencies including Judges, Police and Customs Officers, and how CASCADE had been working extensively and intensively in this area nationally, organizing training programmes and seminars along with continuous Interactions with the law enforcement authorities to emphasize on the importance of increased awareness on the gravity of the problem.

Mr. Chand emphasized that India, as a rising economic superpower need to take offences related to counterfeiting and smuggling very seriously and police has a significant role in fighting this menace. He further reiterated that although such offenses are looked at as a victimless crime, it has many far-reaching consequences and is extremely important for a police officer to understand the consequences before taking actions on ground. Only then will an officer investigating a case related to smuggling and counterfeiting be able to understand and take suitable actions

Mr. Irfan Ahmad, Chairman, FICCI Jammu & Kashmir State Council and Managing Director, IA Multiventure Pvt. Ltd in his address said that the perpetrators of illicit trade are always looking at new ways to fool the people and damage the society. In Jammu and Kashmir this year itself the police and other enforcement authorities in the state have uncovered and arrested people engaged in illicit trade. Appreciating the efforts made by the enforcement officers during such unprecedented times, he reiterated that we cannot afford to lower our guard and therefore it is extremely important that our enforcement agencies keep up their already impressive work and ensure that such mischievous elements are kept at bay.

The training programme provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the enforcement of laws and practices while dealing with the perpetrators. This workshop was extremely helpful in sensitizing the police officers about the relevant laws and procedures to be followed while dealing with the cases related to smuggling and counterfeiting. The technical sessions were followed by an Interactive-Session with the police officials with industry representatives. Industry members highlighted the on-ground practical issues which they faced with regards to the availability of spurious goods and discussed collaborative actions needed with police to counter this menace.

Among the speakers who discussed the wide-ranging concerns on the issue of counterfeiting, piracy and smuggling with the participating police officials were, Advocate Ferdous A Mohammed; Mr. Milind Palany, Global Brand Protection Lead – India & South Asia, Johnson & Johnson; Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Co Chair, FICCI Jammu & Kashmir State Council and Managing Director, Skipper Overseas Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Wani Gowhar, Managing Director, Vowcare Products; Ms. Shilpi Jha, Senior Legal Counsel for Intellectual Property-South Asia, United States Patent and Trademark Office; Mr. Hugh Austin ,Attaché, ICE and Mr. John Kapitzke, Attache, US Homeland Security Investigations

All speakers unanimously agreed that the issue of illicit trade is needed to be addressed as a high priority issue with the government. An orchestrated strategy including communication, coordination and close cooperation amongst various government agencies, law enforcement officials and private sector to combat this menace is imperative. In pursuance of our mandate, FICCI-CASCADE will continue to hold similar programmes across the country in briefing enforcement agencies on procedural and enforcement issues while tackling illicit trading activities.

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, North East

15/09/2020 | North East

Be Vocal for Local and Prevent Illicit Trade

The problem of illicit trade has only compounded in the current situation, where criminals have used the pandemic as an opportunity to cause significant damage on the economy of the nation, health and safety of the consumers. FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) in its series of state specific webinars on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’, organized the next edition in the series for the state of Assam and other north eastern states of India on September 15, 2020. The webinar discussed and underscored the efforts that the Industry & government have taken and could further take in tackling the flow of illicit products during the current crisis.

Mr. Debajyoti Dutta, Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Assam during his special address at the webinar said, “The criminals who are indulging in smuggling and counterfeiting activities are promoting crime and economic instability and the consumers are bearing the brunt of it. It is important that we instill pride for Indian brands and goods amongst the consumers. This will play a pivotal role in putting counterfeit and smuggled products out of the market.” Mr. Dutta further said that the menace of illicit trade is to be dealt in a dedicated and systematic manner with concerted efforts from all central and state enforcement agencies along with the paramilitary forces.

Mr. Pabitra Khaund, Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Assam in his address reiterated the importance of supporting local manufacturing and goods and said that the Prime Minister’s call on ‘Vocal for local’ will be a potent tool in our fight against counterfeiting and smuggling. It will create a conducive environment for the economy of the state government and play a major role in strengthening India. He also shared that the government of Assam has launched several schemes in this direction, which has immensely benefitted local artisans and small enterprises.

The webinar shared insights on the role of enforcement agencies such as the customs, play to thwart criminals who are cashing in during the crisis. Mr. G. M. Kamei, Commissioner, Commissionerate of Customs, North Eastern Region shared that during the Covid period they have successfully conducted 710 seizures of goods worth Rs. 110 cr. The Commissioner said that the Custom officers have kept watch on the various areas of smuggling in the Indo-Myanmar border. As the lockdown restrictions are easing, the customs have increased their vigil along with increased coordination work with other agencies such as the DRI, Assam Rifles and state police to make the task of smuggler a difficult one. However they agree that much more can be done in the area and welcomed inputs and suggestions from industry and members of trade for reducing the menace of smuggling in the region.

Congratulating the Assam government and the enforcement agencies Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “The enforcement officials have relentlessly pursued the smugglers and counterfeiters in the North Eastern region and over the last few months seized contraband and illicit cigarettes, liquor, drugs, currency and consumer goods”. He urged them to keep up the good work which will ensure that the perpetrators of illicit trade do not see the covid-19 situation as a reason to exploit vulnerable consumers and organizations.

The session was chaired by Ms. Kameswari Subramanian, International Expert, Customs Law, Procedures & Trade facilitation and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE .The concluding remarks were made by Mr. Ashish Phookan, Chairman, FICCI Assam State Council. Issues such as consumer safety, safeguarding legitimate businesses while promoting indigenous production which will play a significant role in the path to our economic recovery was emphasized by the speakers. The webinar was attended by industry, government officials, officers from the enforcement agencies and stakeholders in this segment.

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond , Chhattisgarh

31/08/2020 | Chhattisgarh

Be Vocal for Local and Prevent Illicit Trade

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organized the next edition of its state specific webinars on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’ for the state of Chhattisgarh on August 31, 2020.

Mr Kawasi Lakhma, Minister, Commerce and Industry, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, was the Chief Guest at the programme. Mr Lakhma said, “Effective actions to eliminate smuggling and counterfeiting from the State is a focus area for our government and the concerned departments are extremely vigilant in dealing with such cases.” In his address Mr. Lakhma highlighted that the Chhattisgarh government has taken unprecedented reforms to create an enabling environment and is committed to offering investor a friendly infrastructure. He also added that it is imperative that we must all collaboratively check and substantially reduce the illicit market operations and create an eco-system for growth and development in the State.

As cases related to smuggling and counterfeiting rise steeply during the past few months, this webinar was organized to discuss and understand the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which have opened multiple avenues for criminals to prey upon susceptible organizations and consumers. Mr Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Secretary Department of Commerce & Industry, Government of Chhattisgarh said, “India’s role as a global economic powerhouse is increasingly linked to its ability to ensure that rights of legitimate business holders are protected with strong rules, and strong enforcement of the laws and regulations”. He further underscored the need for effective coordination between central and state agencies, strengthening domestic manufacturing, addressing the demand and supply gap and leveraging technology, which will make markets free from illicit products.

Sharing enforcement perspectives, Mr R. K. Vij, Additional Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh said, “During COVID times the Chhattisgarh police has taken strict action against people who have been involved in smuggling and have dealt strongly against those who have indulged in the black marketing of consumer goods”. Mr. Vij also suggested that a nodal agency comprising of representatives from different government departments could be formed to ensure coordinated actions against this menace.

Complimenting the Chhattisgarh government and the enforcement agencies for relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of illicit trade, Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said that under the leadership of the commerce and industries minister, promotion of local goods and legitimate businesses will create a conducive environment for the economy of the state government and play a major role in strengthening India.

The session was chaired by Mr Sanjeev Tripathi, Former R&AW Chief and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE. The concluding remarks were made by Mr Pradeep Tandon, Chairman, FICCI Chhattisgarh State Council and President, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. The webinar was attended by industry, government officials, officers from the enforcement agencies and stakeholders in this segment.

Kindly register at https://webinar.ficci.com/combating/index.php to take parts in the deliberations.

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Madhya Pradesh

29/07/2020 | Madhya Pradesh

Illicit trade in terms of counterfeiting and smuggling have emerged as one of the most formidable challenges before the nation, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic which has led to an economic distress. Illicit traders have always attacked vulnerabilities, be it brands, supply chains or consumers. As the perpetrators are looking at innovative ways to deceive the system to carry out their activities, they in turn deeply harm the economic interests of the nation. It is important to note that there is a steep rise in cases of smuggling and counterfeiting during the past few months, adversely impacting not only the government exchequer and industry sales, but also threatening local industries on which livelihoods of many depend.

More so, as a result of the supply chain disruptions, globalisation has now taken a back seat and nations are increasingly looking inwards to fulfill their needs and requirements. PM’s clarion call to promote local manufacturing and local goods will also play a crucial role to address the demand and supply gap and deter cross border smuggling.

Hence it was felt that it is vital to discuss and understand the disruptions caused by the pandemic. As new vulnerabilities emerge, and existing vulnerabilities at greater risk of exploitation by criminals, tackling this global scourge becomes even more acute and urgent in the current scenario. It is with the above background, FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organized a webinar on ‘Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’ on 29th July 2020. The webinar focused on the state of Madhya Pradesh and was a part of a series of such interactions to be organized across the country by FICCI CASCADE to highlight this issue and elicit response from different states.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Government of Madhya Pradesh was the chief guest at the webinar. Mr. Shukla said, “Government, law enforcement agencies, industry and consumers must come together to identify the gaps and act in a coordinated way to address counterfeiting and smuggling”. He further added that in order to eliminate this problem in India, FICCI can share international best practices and actionable points to the government on how other countries have been able to counter this problem successfully.

FICCI CASCADE Chairman, Mr. Anil Rajput while welcoming the distinguished guests and participants said, “I must compliment the Madhya Pradesh government and the enforcement agencies for relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of illicit trade. Despite the mammoth challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, their hands on approach and alertness has been highlighted by seizures of large number of cigarettes, liquor, synthetic milk, fake currency and much more. I’m confident that going forward they will keep up their stellar performance and continue to play an extremely important role in our fight against illicit trade”.

Speaking on ‘vocal for local’ being a potent tool in our fight against Illicit Trade, it was emphasized that as India starts to produce strong domestic brands and gradually reduces its dependence on foreign products, the circulation of foreign goods will over a period be reduced. As the profits begin to dry up, it will subsequently demotivate the criminals to further undertake such illegitimate activities.

As several cases of seizures of illicit goods are being reported amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Vipin Maheshwari IPS, Additional Director General, Special Task Force, Madhya Pradesh Police in his address said that COVID-19 is a wakeup call for all of us. No product category has been spared, be it milk, cosmetics, clothes, footwear, seeds, fertilizers or pharma. Mr. Maheshwari was of the opinion that sustained awareness campaigns for people, necessary amendments in laws, increasing penalties and sentences, more product testing laboratories are some areas where the government, police and business community should work together to eliminate this challenge.

The session was chaired by Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, GoI and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE. Mr. Malhotra highlighted that smuggling and counterfeiting harms the economy in multidimensional ways and the problem has been aggravated by globalisation and increased mobility. He also emphasized that effective coordination between central and state agencies, strengthening domestic manufacturing, addressing the demand and supply gap and leveraging technology are needed to make a conducive environment free from illicit products.

The webinar underscored the need for policy level coordination between government and the industry to address this menace. Illegal trade not only leads to revenue loss for the government but also leads to unemployment and hence a more focused and collaborated approach along with training and sensitization of enforcement officers for such crimes was much needed. The webinar was attended by industry, government officials, officers from the enforcement agencies and stakeholders in this segment.

Mr. Dinesh Patidar, Chairman, FICCI Madhya Pradesh State Council and CMD, Shakti Pumps India Ltd. made the concluding remarks.

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, West Bengal

07/07/2020 | West Bengal

Even in normal times, there has been a growing recognition of the threat that illicit trade such as smuggling and counterfeiting pose to the stability, safety and security of a nation. But now, with the onslaught of the Covid-19 crisis, concerns are growing that the scale and scope of such activities could be increasing as authorities are distracted and overwhelmed by the unprecedented health crisis and the corresponding economic fallout. It is difficult to fathom the long-term impact of COVID-19, however, its detrimental effects are expected to disrupt supply chain operations of organizations.

These disruptions open up multiple avenues for fraudsters to prey upon susceptible organizations and consumers. New vulnerabilities may emerge, and existing vulnerabilities may be at a greater risk of exploitation by fraudsters. Hence, tackling this global scourge becomes even more acute and urgent in the current scenario. More so, as a result of the supply chain disruptions, globalisation has now taken a back seat and nations are increasingly looking inwards to fulfill their needs and requirements. PM’s clarion call to promote local manufacturing and local goods will also play a crucial role to eliminate this illicit trade as it will reduce the demand of imported goods and deter cross border smuggling of goods.

It is with the above background, FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organized a webinar on ‘Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’ on 7th July 2020. The webinar focused on the state of West Bengal and was a part of a series of such interactions to be organized across the country by FICCI CASCADE to highlight this issue and elicit response from different states.

Mr. Sadhan Pande, Minister–in-Charge, Consumer Affairs Department, Govt. of West Bengal was the chief guest at the programme said, “Counterfeiting and smuggling are two major economic crimes that are happening around the globe and the West Bengal government is making extra efforts to combat such crimes even during this pandemic.” Hon’ble Minister also invited CASCADE to join hands with his department to run a campaign on the subject in West Bengal.

West Bengal is a big state, both in terms of size as well as population. It shares boundaries with three countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Unfortunately, the smugglers and counterfeiters have been persistent in their unlawful activities. As per DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence), over the past one year, about 200 cases involving outright smuggling have been booked in the East and North East India by the DRI and Customs formations in these regions, resulting in seizure of goods worth Rs 480 crores, mainly coming from Myanmar and Bangladesh through the land borders apart from goods seized at the international airport and port in Kolkata).The major commodities smuggled outright into India from the eastern and north eastern India, include gold, silver, FICN, cigarettes, black pepper, readymade garments, toiletries and cosmetics, wild life, dates, electronic goods etc.

Mr. Deepankar Aron, Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Kolkata remarked that smuggling and counterfeiting is the second most significant illegal trade. Citing recent major detections effected by DRI and Customs formations, Mr. Aron said that in last one year, 570 kgs of gold valued at Rs 220 crores and foreign currency worth Rs 30 crore was seized. He also added that several cases of smuggled cigarettes were detected where a total of 2.6 crores of cigarette sticks valued at around Rs 26 crores were also seized.

DRI has been working on addressing wild life smuggling apart from combating various other types of Cross Border Crime. Illegal wildlife trade ranks as the fourth largest transnational organized crime globally, only after the illegal trade in Narcotics, Counterfeit goods and Human trafficking. Mr. Aron highlighted that there is an unfortunate and increasing trend in smuggling of endangered and exotic fauna from different parts of the world into India.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE welcomed all and thanked the Minister of Consumer Affairs, West Bengal Government, for his suggestion that the West Bengal government and FICCI CASCADE join hands and work together on the extremely important aspect of consumer awareness. Mr. Rajput emphasized that Illicit trade is indeed a big menace, and collaborations between all stakeholders is needed to eradicate this evil, which has made deep inroads in our country.

The interactive session was moderated by Mr. Hem Pande, Former Secretary, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, GoI who highlighted that the menace of illicit trade is impacting jobs, economy and creating havoc all around the world. Strengthening enforcement and empowering consumers to combat such crimes should be the constant endeavour. The webinar was attended by several participants from industry, government officials, officers from the enforcement agencies and stakeholders in this segment.

Webinar on Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Jammu & Kashmir

02/07/2020 | Jammu & Kashmir

The adverse impact of counterfeiting and smuggling on economies and societies across the globe has been a cause of serious concern. It deprives the government of its rightful revenue, completely demoralises the morale of the law abiding product manufacturers and exposes people to health and safety hazards. Illicit trade is the world’s largest growing industry with an estimated size ranging between $650 million to $3 trillion representing 10% of the global trade.

Since years, the world has been the battling this menace. Unfortunately the problem has only compounded in the current situation, where criminals have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to exploit the vulnerable consumer by providing illicit alternatives of goods and products causing significant damage to consumers and economies alike. Moreover, as businesses suffer, during this crisis, any sale of such products will only worsen the socio-economic distress. While arresting this menace is vital, encouraging the use of indigenous goods will also play a defining role to eliminate this socio-economic threat. Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call ‘Vocal for Local’ will benefit Indian economy, reduce the demand of imported goods, create jobs and deter cross border illicit trade.

It is with the above background, FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organized a webinar on ‘Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond’ on 2nd July 2020, focusing on the state of was Jammu and Kashmir. The webinar was a part of a series of such interactions to be organised across the country by FICCI CASCADE to highlight this issue and elicit response from different states.

Dr. Mehraj-ud-din Rather, KAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir in his keynote address said that “The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the dangers posed by illicit trade. These times call for greater focus on the growing hazards of smuggling and counterfeiting. With consumer awareness of fake and smuggled so low, many consumers are unaware that they are buying such goods—and equally unaware of the consequences.”

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE in his opening remarks mentioned that “The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is particularly vulnerable to the ill effects of illicit trade, and this is due to the environment of instability created by the hostility amongst the neighbouring nations.”
Over the last few months seizures of fake currency, cigarettes, illicit liquor, fake hand sanitizers etc. have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir. Government departments and the state enforcement agencies have taken strict actions against those dealing in such goods and products. Complimenting the role played by the enforcement agencies of J&K to check the growth of illicit trade, Mr. Rajput said, “The Prime Minister’s call on ‘Vocal for local’ will create a conducive environment for the economy of the state government and play a major role in strengthening India.”

Mr. Manish K Sinha, IPS, Inspector General, Crime, Jammu and Kashmir Police emphasised on the need for policy level coordination between police and the industry bodies to address this issue. He was of the view of that counterfeiting has an adverse impact in Jammu & Kashmir as illegal trade not only leads to revenue loss to the government but also leads to unemployment amongst the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Sinha underscored that IP offences still lack focus of the police in the state, as there is no specialized anti-IP crime unit in J&K; there is no training imparted with respect to investigations of such offences to the officers and there is no incentive for officers vis a viz such crimes. Hence, efforts such as sensitization/training and having an anti-IP crime cell in the Economic Offences Wing in J&K could be made.

Mr. D P Dash, IRS, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI and Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation (WCO) moderated the session and said that “As new medicines and vaccines will be beyond the reach of millions, this will lead to an upsurge in smuggling and counterfeiting, hence enforcement agencies have to gear up to face this challenge.”

The webinar also threw light on the efforts of the Industry in tackling the flow of illicit products during the current crisis; the role that the government and enforcement agencies can play to thwart criminals who are cashing in during the crisis and highlighted areas of concern in consumer safety. The webinar was attended by industry, government officials, officers from the enforcement agencies and stakeholders in this segment.