Counterfeit crackdown: A year-round mission in UAE

Authorities have confiscated more than 7,000 fake products in Abu Dhabi so far this year. And these fakes were seized not in random busts - but as part of strategic inspection campaigns, with a clear mechanism in place.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development (DED) had launched the campaign to uphold the rights of trademark owners, protect consumers against commercial fraud, and prevent the entry of counterfeit products into the local market.

A total of 7,079 products -including clothes, accessories, electrical and electronic devices, automotive supplies and spare parts, and building materials - were seized this year under the ongoing drive.

"Inspection campaigns are part of procedures that aim to combat counterfeits," Mohamed Munif M Al Mansoori, executive director of the commercial affairs sector at the DED, told Khaleej Times.

Al Mansoori said their team runs two types of campaigns: One is by conducting scheduled inspection visits, while the second entails organising inspections in cooperation with trademark owners and legal offices.

"In case they find counterfeit products, a violation will be issued against the facility while the products that are counterfeit and non-conforming to the local standard specifications are confiscated and destroyed.

Campaigns are carried out throughout the year, the official said. Inspectors conduct daily visits and investigate stores to ensure they are following laws.

An approved mechanism is also in place to confiscate counterfeit items, and it includes identifying stores selling the products, visiting the facility, and confiscating fakes, if any.

"Following the discovery of counterfeit products, the inspector identifies and classifies the counterfeit products. The act of inspection and confiscation are documented in the control record, and then a violation notice is issued against the facility," he said. "Since the beginning of the year, Abu Dhabi has witnessed an active and vibrant commercial activity after launching several motivational programmes and initiatives. It was necessary to increase the monitoring level on the market's goods and products."

 The DED encourages residents who have bought or spotted fake products to contact the DED through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre.

"Fighting commercial fraud is an integrated process between the DED and the consumer. This process is activated through the interactive workshops and awareness films provided by the DED," Al Mansoori said.

How Abu Dhabi fights trade of fakes

>Inspectors conduct daily store visits and investigate shops throughout the year

>Some inspections are organised in cooperation with trademark owners, legal offices

>Awareness workshops are held for investors, consumers, and inspectors