THE fight against illicit trade in goods, counterfeiting and piracy requires collaboration between agencies locally, internationally and internationally. The sub-regional seminar on enforcement of IP prosecutors, customs officers and police investigators on October 28 and 29 is an initiative by TT’s Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force (AITTF) to bring agencies together to share knowledge and work on best practices.
Illicit Trade
AITTF secretary Aurelia Bruce said the taskforce was made up of 12 organisations, including the TT Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO), the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division of the Health Ministry, the Financial Intelligence Unit, Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the police service, Crimestoppers TT, the Bureau of Standards, the TT Manufacturers Association, the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
She said an increase in illicit trade during the covid19 pandemic, especially in tobacco and alcohol resulted in an almost $90 million loss to TT.
“Illicit trade undermines trade and decreases revenue and foreign direct investment. It can result in a loss of brand integrity not only for the original manufacturers, but also for TT if we are seen to be lax about enforcement.
“Illicit trade can also cause job displacement and business closures. It poses health risks from substandard products.”
Bruce said TT's National Action Plan to Combat Illicit Trade in Consumer Goods has 26 measures grouped under five objectives, which are: strengthening the legal framework to combat illicit trade; strengthening the capacity of ministries and enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade; enhancing collaboration among regulatory and enforcement agencies; promoting public-private partnerships towards fighting illicit trade; and increasing public awareness of illicit trade and the associated dangers.
She said there were six working groups, four of which focused on illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, cleaning agents, and pharmaceuticals, while the others worked on legislation and penalties.
Trade and Industry Ministry acting permanent secretary Randall Karim said the taskforce played an important part of the battle against illicit trade. He said without enforcement, the work of the taskforce would be sterile and useless.
He said the Customs Recordation and Information System (CRIS) being developed by WIPO through the Industrial Property Administration System aims to capture information about brand owners, authorised distributors, authorised manufacturers and provide images of genuine goods. The system should be available to TT in 2025.
Customs and Excise deputy director general Riad Juman said the challenges of intellectual property enforcement have grown more complex in the increasing globalised world.
“The rapid movement of goods and services and ideas across borders has heightened the need for effective strategies. Collaboration is crucial locally, regionally and internationally. By sharing intelligence and best
