INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY / CUSTOMS CRACKDOWN

More seizures reflect better enforcement

WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Seizures of pirated goods have risen sharply over the past four years, reflecting stronger enforcement against violators of intellectual property rights, according to the Customs Department.

Chavalit Sethameteekul, the customs director-general, said officials recorded 373 cases of intellectual property violations in fiscal 2006, with seized goods valued at more than 60 million baht.

This compares with 111 cases worth 126 million baht recorded in fiscal 2004, and only 19 cases worth eight million in fiscal 2003, the first year that the department began collecting data on IP violations.

The European Union and the United States have long accused Thailand of turning a blind eye to IP violations and allowing pirates to operate freely in the local market.

The International Intellectual Property Institute estimates that up to 5% of the products in the market are counterfeit knock-offs of protected brands and trademarks.

Mr Chavalit said a new law awaiting approval by the government would significantly increase the authority of customs officials in inspecting shipments suspected of IP violations.

Under the new law, customs officials would be allowed to order the inspection of suspect packages directly. Direct inspections currently are not permitted without authorisation from the owner of the shipment.

Mr Chavalit said the department had also set up a new team to clamp down on the practice of tax evasion and false declarations by importers.

The department will work with the Department of Special Investigation and the Revenue Department to monitor goods frequently declared at rates below their true value. They include auto parts, cosmetics and cigarettes.

For fiscal 2007, the Customs Department has a revenue target of 85 billion baht. It recently revised the target down from 88 billion baht, to reflect the impact of the appreciation of the baht last year and slowing import and consumption trends.

Bangkok Post
Sunday January 28, 2007