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What happens to fake items seized in UAE?

With UAE authorities cracking down on fake items or counterfeit goods, consumers may be left wondering what happens to the items that are seized? In the last 15 months alone, fake goods worth 2 million have been seized in Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Customs has said that the items have now been recycled. Yes, that's right. The UAE recycles any counterfeit goods or products that are seized. “By recycling counterfeit goods to preserve the environment and protect it from damages that contradict the applicable environmental protection laws in the UAE, this will educate consumers on using or trading in counterfeit goods,” said Fahed Gareeb Alshamsi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs. With UAE authorities cracking down on fake items or counterfeit goods, consumers may be left wondering what happens to the items that are seized? The fake items bore international trademarks and were seized by Abu Dhabi Customs in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. The counterfeit goods included leather bags, clothes, watches and belts, smart devices, sportswear and other tech such as wireless headphones. Those that could not be recycled were destroyed after completion of environmental and legal requirements at Abu Dhabi Airport Customs Center’s Logistics Zone. “We firmly believe that we are the first line of defence to protect society and its economy from commercial fraud. Therefore, we are constantly working in cooperation with strategic partners to intensify efforts to prevent smuggling of counterfeit and adulterated goods to the markets,” Alshamsi said. ICA/Expat Media
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