Dh2 million of fake perfume found in Dubai warehouse

DUBAI// Fake perfumes worth Dh2 million have been confiscated after a raid on a warehouse in the emirate.

More than 170,000 counterfeit items of 10 well-known brands were discovered in a building in Ras Al Khor building by inspectors from Dubai’s Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in the Department of Economic Development (DED).

“The inspectors of CCCP maintain round the clock vigil against trademark violations and products that are harmful to humans and the reputation of the market,” said Abdullah Al Shehi, director of the Intellectual Property Protection Department at CCCP.

“Counterfeit products pose a serious threat to ethical trade practices and we work with trademark owners to make sure that such products do not enter the local market.”

The warehouse owner was fined and the CCCP is currently testing the confiscated goods. Those that are found to be a risk to people’s health will be destroyed.

The rest of the seized goods will be re-exported back to the country of origin after the collection of a 30 per cent duty.

The raid is part of ongoing efforts by the CCCP to protect trademarks and eliminate fake goods from local markets.

Officials said it is important to protect trademarks as it maintains the emirate’s position as a competitive business hub and safeguards traders and consumers.

Mr Al Shehi also warned consumers to be wary of counterfeits, urging them to verify with the trademark owner in case of any suspicion regarding the originality of a product.