Online Trading: The Challenge of Cross-Border Purchases
E-commerce shops like Amazon, eBay and Alibaba have made it easier than ever for consumers in Germany to purchase goods from abroad. According to a survey by IPC, Amazon is the most frequently selected retailer for cross-border purchases, followed by Alibaba and AliExpress. Other popular e-commerce sites for cross-border purchases include eBay, Shein and Wish. However, the trend towards online shopping from overseas has also led to an increase in brand and product piracy in Germany.
The Growing Problem of Counterfeit Goods
The value of goods confiscated by customs for brand and product piracy has continued to rise in recent years. In 2022, border guards confiscated products worth 435 million euros – a significant increase over the previous two years. More than half of all seizures registered by customs came from China and Hong Kong.
Deliberately Buying Counterfeit Goods
The willingness of some consumers to knowingly purchase counterfeit goods is another reason behind the increase in counterfeits. According to an EU-wide survey, more than a third of respondents between the ages of 15 and 24 said they had bought counterfeits on purpose. Counterfeit branded clothing is the most commonly purchased item, with price advantage being cited as the main reason.
Fighting the Problem of Counterfeit Goods
Despite these challenges, e-commerce sites like Amazon are making efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit products on their platforms. Amazon automatically checks more than eight billion offers every day, and discovered around six million counterfeit products last year. The company’s efforts appear to be working, with a significant reduction in attempted sales of counterfeit goods on its platform.
In conclusion, while e-commerce has made it easier for consumers to buy products from overseas, it has also created challenges around brand and product piracy. Despite these challenges, e-commerce sites like Amazon are actively working to reduce the sale of counterfeit products on their platforms, reflecting their commitment to ensuring a safe and trustworthy customer experience.
