Source: Correio Lageano - SC - 07/09/2009

According to data from Fecomércio, the rate of aversion to counterfeits has been decreasing over time - from 24% in 2007 to 6% in 2008. The data reflect a negative reality, because, although there are organs for inspection and punishment of infractions, the population has an effective participation in sustaining this irregularity. Do not 'turn a blind eye' when perceiving the illegality of the product and avoid shopping in suspicious places are measures cited by authorities that are the responsibility of the consumer.

Pirate products offer many rich and damage to health and the Brazilian economy, in addition to disastrous social impacts. As it is not always easy to verify the origin of the products, it is necessary to pay attention to the tips of the experts. Rafael Bellini, executive secretary of the National Forum Against Piracy and Illegality - FNCP gives some:

What are the main consequences of purchasing a pirated product for the consumer?

Rafael Bellini: Studies directed at the functioning of the informal market, focused on the sale of counterfeit products (pirates), found that the consequences extend from the increased risk to the health and safety of the consumer exposed to a product that does not comply with the technical and hygiene, even the fact that the acquisition of products of dubious origin contributes to the maintenance and strengthening of large criminal organizations. They benefit from the trade in counterfeit products to introduce drugs and weapons into our country, contributing to the increase in public insecurity, unemployment, as well as the inhibition of investments in the areas of infrastructure and research and development in the country.

What is the impact of selling these products on the Brazilian market?

Bellini: The commercialization of products that enter the country in an irregular manner (without paying taxes) impacts, first of all, unfair competition vis-à-vis entrepreneurs and traders who work in the formal market and who bear their obligations, in addition to the dissemination in the market, of products that pose a risk to the health and safety of consumers.

What are the most seized products?

Bellini: It depends a lot on the agency that acts in the repression, using as a reference the number of seizures carried out by the federal enforcement agencies in 2009, the seizures of cigarettes, electronics, sunglasses, footwear, media (CD / DVD) and medicines. 

What happens to these products?

Bellini: In the case of products seized by the Federal Revenue of Brazil, these can be auctioned, donated, incorporated into the bodies of the Direct or Indirect Administration and destroyed or rendered useless, as is the case of pirated, counterfeit products, condemned by health surveillance, among others that are not liable to be allocated via merger or auction.

What has already been done to combat this crime?

Bellini: Assuming that the fight against piracy depends on acting on several fronts, we have repressive activities, carried out by the agencies of repression and inspection at the federal, state and municipal levels and within the private sector; educational and awareness actions with consumers; economic proposals involving the reduction of the final price of original products, the need to debate the reduction of the current tax burden for some sectors, and the monitoring of legislative proposals in the National Congress. All these aspects are constantly and concurrently developed in the public and private sphere, through public agencies, associations, institutes, schools, universities and other actors that are concerned with the theme of combating piracy and its consequences for the country.

Is there a channel for reporting?

Bellini: Yes. The FNCP provides a Hotline 0800-771-3627 so that citizens can report cases involving piracy.

Source: Consumer Portal