Customs needs support to stop fake goods

THE issue of importing counterfeit products abroad and locally manufactured fake goods that infringes intellectual property rights and trademarks of right holders (companies) in country has become widespread, an official says.
The issue affects commercial trade regulatory and compliance systems as well as infringing the rights of manufacturers.
It also impacts the health and safety of users and consumers.
PNG Customs Services director for intellectual property rights and passenger policy Tom Vere said the onus was on the right holders to approach state regulatory agencies to assist them enforce the laws.
Vere said, to minimise the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the country, they needed collective efforts from various state regulatory agencies and concerned companies.