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Penalties threaten: pay dearly for counterfeits on vacation!
Holidaymakers should be careful when buying branded products abroad as there is a risk of high penalties. Find out more about risks and legal framework conditions.
Penalties threaten: pay dearly for counterfeits on vacation!
During the holiday season, the temptation to buy counterfeit brand products is high. However, buyers of these pirated copies must expect high penalties, both at their holiday destination and in Germany. This reports Swabian. Strict penalties are imposed, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as Spain and Italy. Eva Schewior, President of the German Patent and Trademark Office, explains the problem and points out that such counterfeits are often sold by criminal networks.
Commonly counterfeit products include football jerseys, luxury watches and sunglasses. There is a risk of a customs inspection when returning to Germany or sending packages. Last year, 16,857 cases of illegal goods were evaluated and destroyed by customs. The value of the seized goods was 417 million euros - more than twice as high as the previous year. Schewior appeals to vacationers to spend their vacation without counterfeits.
Legal framework in Germany
In Germany, it is generally not a criminal offense for private individuals to purchase a counterfeit brand. However, plagiarism may only be purchased for personal use and not in large quantities for resale. When importing goods, travel allowances must be observed, which can vary depending on the product. The travel allowance for adults on flights or boats is 430 euros. This limit is based on the actual value of the goods.
Special regulations apply to goods without special allowances, such as alcohol or tobacco products. If customs suspect a counterfeit, products may be confiscated. In the event of illegal commercial imports, customs can withhold the goods and, in the worst case, even destroy them. The classification as a commercial import always depends on the quantity and type of products, which does not always make it easy to distinguish between commercial and private purchases.
Tips for vacationers
When in doubt, buyers should only purchase one or two pieces in their own size, as purchasing multiple items of the same type may give the impression that they are intended for resale. Rights holders can also send warnings to buyers if there is suspicion of commercial use. If you are unsure, it is advisable to seek legal advice from lawyers who specialize in trademark law, such as: Lower Saxony Consumer Center explained.