The global duty free and travel retail industries are banding together in a new campaign that targets illicit trade, counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft.
Organized by the Duty Free World Council and Tax Free World Association, the global campaign– Duty Free: Trusted, Transparent, Secure—launched today, July 6. Its goal is to highlight the industry’s stance against and dangers of the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, and urge governments to take action and collaborate with the industry in fighting this activity.
In a press briefing earlier today, DFWC President Sarah Branquinho and TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen and Managing Director John Rimmer underlined that counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and illicit trade are a growing concern for industries across the world.
The duty and tax-free industry, like many other industries, lose millions every year in lost sales opportunities as a result of these criminal activities, they said.
“Every counterfeit product bought is a lost sales opportunity for a legitimate retailer,” noted Branquinho.
With the industry committed to actively supporting the global anti-illicit trade enforcement community and governments to counter this growing threat, the theme of the new campaign is that the duty free channel is one of the most trusted, transparent, secure and legitimate supply chains in the world and products sold in travel retail shops are authentic, genuine and traceable.
The program – which is supported by all the regional associations and trade groups – has also launched an information-packed website — www.dutyfreefacts.info — that details facts about duty free, its history and industry actions, such as policies and reports, and information on supply chains and security. The website will be dynamically updated as news occurs.
“TFWA is all about brands, and we are here to promote and protect the brands,” explained Juul-Mortensen, during the press briefing.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, DFWC President Sarah Branquinho said “I am delighted to mark the launch of this important campaign. The duty- and tax-free industry has a zero-tolerance approach to counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and illicit trade, and we are proud that our industry has one of the most secure and transparent supply chains in the world. Our retailers and brand owners lose millions in lost sales opportunities each year to the criminals who control illicit trade, and we urge governments around the world to collaborate with our industry on this important issue.
Duty- and tax-free retailers worldwide stand shoulder to shoulder with our brand-owner colleagues, and those on the front line in the fight against these crimes.”
Erik Juul-Mortensen, Tax Free World Association (TFWA) President said “TFWA, together with key duty and tax-free industry leaders, is honored to be part of this joint global campaign against all illicit trade, counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft. The duty- and tax-free industry is keen to establish effective working partnerships with other industries, key agencies and intergovernmental organizations to continue to tackle illicit trade in all its forms.
Further information on the campaign can be found at www.dutyfreefacts.info
