Rise in illicit trade upsets council

The Manufacturers’ Council of PNG (MCPNG) has expressed concern over Customs’ apathy towards an increase in illicit trade.
MCPNG chief executive Chey Scovell said Customs did not seem to support an illicit trade taskforce set up by Government.
“Customs have not supported that position and instead have sought to maintain the status quo,” he said.
“They are not supportive of a body that adds a layer of scrutiny to their business practices.
“Despite the Treasury providing K500,000 and industry funding over K700,000 thus far, the taskforce remains unstaffed.”
Scovell said the most-recent, and publicised, importation of counterfeit SP beer, was strongly condemned by the council.
“Whilst this is the first time for our iconic green can to have been counterfeited, sadly, it has joined a long and quickly growing list of local brands being counterfeited,” he said.
“Biscuits, water, canned foods, bleach, detergents, soap, matches, nails, plywood, water, cigarettes, tea, coffee and even nails have all been counterfeited over the years.
“Consumer safety is our major concern, followed closely by the brand damage and loss of business by our members and finally our State and citizens for being denied their share.
“The council is offended by the suggestion from Customs that illicit trade is happening because we are not separately registering our IP with them.
“Clearly arms of the State, such as Customs respond to its masters -the Government, and not its users or people.
“The silence from its masters on the clearly visible and rampant illicit trade in PNG is in a single word deplorable.
“Despite record volumes of imports, we have so little revenue to show for it.
“We can no longer be complicit.
“My members, local manufacturers and value adders pay more money into the coffers of Government than any other sector in PNG.
“If the silence, the inaction of our regulatory authorities and Government is to continue, it would appear we are shifting to a system where it’s okay not to pay our dues.
“Instead of dealing with illicit trade, we encouraging our local businesses that are struggling to compete with all these illicit businesses.
“We would welcome the attention of our elected officials to ensure the State is no longer casual, or relaxed about the rampant illicit trade in PNG.”