This report, published jointly by the EUIPO and the OECD, presents a macroeconomic analysis to identify the factors that make some countries more likely to import counterfeit goods. Based on import statistics and seizures data, the analysis shows that factors that are clearly correlated with the value of imports of fakes include:
- The value of imports of a country.
- GDP per capita.
- The quality of trade and transport infrastructure.
- The percentage of people using the Internet.
- The percentage of the population with a tertiary education.
On the other hand, the share of the population aged 65 and over is negatively linked with the amount (in terms of value) of fake imports.
While all the factors identified above are important, it should be noted that none of these factors alone can explain the propensity of a given economy to import fakes – rather, it is the combination of numerous factors that shapes the demand for fakes, and, consequently, the propensity for importing counterfeit goods. Also, many of the factors presented above can be extremely beneficial for trade in general, and – more broadly – for a country’s welfare. These include good logistics facilities and Internet access. It is the misuse of these facilities, and the abuse of opportunities they create, that can result in higher flows of trade in fake goods. The policy challenge is to reduce the scope for misuse, while ensuring the benefits of trade.