The Counterfeit Crisis in 2025 – Stats Every Brand Should Know
While the true cost of counterfeiting is an ongoing global concern – some of the recent data we’ve seen should make brands pay extra attention. It’s easy to become blind to big numbers when they seem abstract, or not directly relevant to a situation. But these stats paint a clear picture of the crisis brands are facing and the importance of fighting back in the right way.
What is the international cost of counterfeiting?
The most recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests up to 2.3 percent of global imports are fakes. The trade in these counterfeit goods was valued at approximately $467 billion in 2021 (a figure that has likely since increased). And it’s worse for European markets, with fakes coming into the EU accounting for 4.7 percent of total imports, at a cost of $117 billion.
Looking at the top 10 categories of most seized goods (by value), it’s easier to visualise the sheer number of brands potentially impacted:
- Watches
- Footwear
- Leather good (including handbags)
- Clothing
- Electrical goods
- Optical/photographic/medical apparatus
- Perfume and cosmetics
- Miscellaneous manufactured items
- Jewellery
- Other textile items
How harmful are these fake goods?
Between 2017-2019, global customs seizures data indicated that over 400,000 products deemed dangerous to consumers were stopped at borders. Of these, more than 84 percent originated from Asian countries, with China and Hong Kong combining for around 79 percent. Again, despite a relative slowing during Covid, data is likely to confirm these numbers have risen during 2024-25.
The vast majority of counterfeit goods seized were destined for the US and EU countries, an ‘east-to-west’ pattern notoriously hard to disrupt. And of course, as these supply chains don’t comply with any required health and safety legislation, the risk to customers is hugely increased.
How are counterfeiters avoiding seizures?
As with any criminal activity, when prevention and enforcement methods become more sophisticated and effective, counterfeiters are responding in kind. New tactics being adopted include using international waterways to ship unassembled components, to be put together closer to end markets. And fake versions of seasonal trending products are being produced swiftly, in response to inflated online demand.
These can be shipped faster, at lower risk, in smaller consignments – around 65 percent of seizures in 2020-21 involved small parcels and mail. Fast fashion items, children’s toys and pharmaceuticals are all on the rise as examples of these ‘quicker wins’ for counterfeiters.
How can Q-ID® protect brands and consumers?
This innovative quantum ‘fingerprint’ technology is impossible to copy, clone or fake and is easily authenticated by most smartphones. It integrates into existing manufacturing processes and can be easily incorporated into foil or packaging.
To find out more about how Q-ID® protects brand reputations and preserves customer trust, please get in touch.
