Abu Dhabi recycles counterfeit goods worth AED 2 million

Abu Dhabi Customs has recycled 578 counterfeit goods of international trademarks valued at AED2 million during 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.

The counterfeit goods, which were recycled to convert into materials usable in other fields, included leather accessories such as bags and clothes, watches and belts, cotton and sports clothes, in addition to a number of smart devices such as wired and wireless headphones.

Counterfeit goods, which could not be recycled, were destroyed after completion of environmental and legal requirements at Abu Dhabi Airport Customs Center’s Logistics Zone.

A top official highlighted how protection of "intellectual property rights protection constitutes a top priority for Abu Dhabi Customs" and how the teams are "constantly working in cooperation with strategic partners to intensify efforts to prevent smuggling of counterfeit and adulterated goods to the markets". 

He explained that recycling counterfeit goods helps "preserve the environment and protect it from damages that contradict the applicable environmental protection laws in the UAE, this will educate consumers on using or trading in counterfeit goods".