Customs Seize Over 16 000 Branded Goods and 3000 Fake Lotions in Varna.
During two inspections at the Varna West and Varna Ferry customs points, 16 817 branded goods, mostly jewelry, and over 3800 undeclared items were seized. Also, 3000 counterfeit aftershave lotions were found in a truck bound for Georgia.
Fficers from the Varna Territorial Customs Directorate seized 16,817 goods bearing protected trademarks, along with more than 3,800 undeclared commercial items, during two inspections at the Varna West and Varna Ferry customs checkpoints.
Most of the seized goods were discovered during an inspection of a container arriving from China to Bulgaria through the Varna West customs checkpoint. The container was selected for a detailed inspection by officers from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department.
During the inspection, customs officers found 12,356 bracelets, earrings and necklaces, as well as 460 keychains and 135 eyeglass cases, all bearing protected trademarks, according to the Bulgarian Customs Agency.
The goods were detained in accordance with EU Regulation No. 608/2013 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
The same container also contained 2,926 undeclared anti-slip rubber mats and decorative pillow covers, as well as 940 blankets and folding chairs. Administrative penalty proceedings will be initiated.
In a separate inspection at the Varna Ferry customs checkpoint, officers discovered 3,000 aftershave lotions bearing the logo of a well-known brand.
The products were being transported in a truck with Ukrainian registration carrying consolidated cargo bound for Georgia. The trademark owner was notified and confirmed that the lotions were counterfeit.