Belgian authorities have warned of the health risks of using counterfeit household goods, as "enormous quantities" of knock-off products such as cleaning detergent, perfume and toys have been seized in recent months.
The State's Economic Inspection Unit has seized hundreds of thousands of counterfeit products in Brussels as part of investigations in partnership with the public prosecutors' offices of Brussels and Hal-Vilvoorde, and police in the Brussels North zone.
Almost 20,000 litres of detergent and more than 16 tonnes of washing powder, in the packaging of well-known brands, have been seized. Authorities have also confiscated 350,000 counterfeit toys, 10,000 knock-off perfumes, and 16,000 imitation items of clothing.
Secret warehouses in Brussels
The Federal Department for the Economy (FPS Economy) stated that the investigations uncovered several warehouses and a workshop. One search revealed "enormous quantities" of detergent (19,822 litres) and washing powder (16 tonnes), in a warehouse rented by an undocumented worker.
Credit: FPS Economy
Another uncovered a warehouse where a wholesaler of counterfeit toys was operating. 350,000 products were seized, including soft toys, figurines and playing cards. In the same area, the Economic Inspectorate discovered a "large-scale" workshop producing counterfeit perfumes, and 10,000 products were seized.
In the Gare du Nord area, three illegal stores were discovered selling large quantities of clothing, accessories and shoes which were imitations of various brands. More than 16,000 products were taken by authorities.
Risks to health of consumers and economy
Authorities warned of the health risks of counterfeit products, noting that between 2019 and 2023 some 40% of seized goods were toys and 38% were care products.
"There are strict controls in this area. Counterfeit products naturally do not meet these requirements. For example, counterfeit toys are made of toxic substances or pose a high risk of choking. The ingredients used in creams, perfumes or detergents are not known or tested. This can cause skin irritation and stains on clothing. These are each concrete consequences to which consumers unconsciously expose themselves by purchasing counterfeits," said the FPS Economy.
Credit: FPS Economy
One study revealed that the Belgian economy loses approximately €436 million and 4,000 jobs each year due to counterfeit toys, clothing and cosmetics. At the same time, the State loses out on more than €584 million in revenue from VAT and personal and corporate taxes.
Etienne Mignolet, spokesperson for the FPS Economy, praised local traders who "support the fight against counterfeiting" by contacting the Economic Inspection Unit about dubious traders.
"Inspectors have noted that the large-scale seizures of toys in recent weeks have led to an immediate drop in the supply of such products on local markets. This is why the FPS Economy is continuing to fight counterfeiting. At the same time, however, we would also like to make consumers aware of the high risks. Think about the real dangers before buying counterfeits," he said.
