Vivek Gogia, Special Commissioner of Police, Training, Delhi Friday said that awareness generation on counterfeit and smuggled items is vital as this will act as a deterrent to the illicit market operations and give fillip to the economy.

He was addressing a workshop on 'Socio-Economic Impact of Counterfeiting, Smuggling and Piracy' organized by FICCI Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) in New Delhi.

He said that partnership among stakeholders is important in addressing the issue of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Gogia also highlighted the menace of illicit trade funding organized crime and added that protection of rights takes a key role in the growth of the Indian economy. He said that it has high significance for Indian industries as profit margins and survival depends on the infringement of IP rights.

Deepchand, Advisor FICCI CASCADE stated that the grey market economy is fueling illegitimate industry and leading to increased criminalization of the society in the form of organized crime including terrorism. He added that global studies have indicated that criminal syndicates all over have taken to counterfeiting and smuggling to fund their nefarious activities and this not only makes our society unsafe but also adds to the enforcement costs.

The capacity building programme was aimed to sensitize police officers to emphasize on the importance of continued awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled goods. 

FICCI CASCADE has been successful in stirring an active debate on the topic of curbing counterfeiting and smuggling nationally through various awareness programmes. 

It also proposes to hold such workshops in various parts of the nation to spread awareness against the menace by addressing procedural and enforcement issues.