One of the joys of traveling is being able to pick up souvenirs and other items, which are unavailable at home. Counterfeit goods have long been a problem, damaging the home economy, undermining the brand and in some cases posing a danger to the buyer. Recent estimates are that 2% of all goods traded in the world are counterfeit, and this figure is on the rise all the time.  It’s illegal to import counterfeit goods, and people buying fakes overseas risk having them confiscated when they return home. Bearing all these issues in mind, how do you keep your guard up and where?
If it seems too good to be true…
As the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Gucci do not sell handbags at street markets for $50. Most of the designer bags and clothing on the market are manufactured in China, Cambodia or Vietnam, but can be found for sale across Asia and in markets in Europe too. Counterfeiting is such big business in China that it is said to account for 8% of the country’s total GDP. Food and drink counterfeiting is a massive issue in Turkey, and although pirate DVD and video games mainly come from China, a surprisingly large percentage originate in Canada. If traveling to Malaysia, be aware that this south Asian country is the world’s top producer of counterfeit electrical goods. Cigarettes are another commonly counterfeited item, and are particularly a problem in Europe where tobacco tax is high. Most are made in Eastern Europe or Russia, and then sold in the street or in bars.
Know the market and the product
It is possible to get bargains on designer handbags or items such as watches while overseas. There are lots of clues which can help you establish whether a product is genuine. Look out for spelling mistakes on packaging or the product itself. If buying bags and clothing, check the seams and stitching. Know a ballpark figure you would expect to pay for the item at home. If you see a bag or item you have never seen before, chances are that it’s a knock-off.  If you have a smartphone, use a search engine to compare pictures of the genuine article with what you are being offered. If in doubt, walk away.
Risking your health
One of the areas of counterfeiting, which is growing most rapidly, is in pharmaceuticals. India is the country in the world where most counterfeit drugs originate, followed by China and Egypt. Counterfeit medication is not a huge issue in Europe, but is a concern across North Africa and into Asia. Drugs in these countries are often made in unsanitary conditions and you can never be exactly sure what you are getting. If there is any of the active ingredient in the counterfeit drug, it will be mixed will all sorts of other chemicals. Another favorite trick is to repackage drugs, which have passed their use by date.  Keep your eyes open and bottom line-don’t cut corners.
Morag Peers works for Without The Stress, a Los Angeles Same Day Passport Service that assists travelers with Rush Passport Renewals, Child Passports and travel visas to nearly any country in the world.