NCIPR seizes P41B in counterfeit goods, up 52%

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) seized P40.99 billion worth of counterfeit products in 2024, marking a 52% increase from the previous year.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo attributed this surge to intensified law enforcement efforts, noting that apparel and shoes made up most of the seizures.

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) accounted for P34.70 billion worth of these seizures, including two major operations in Binondo and Divisoria totaling over P18 billion.

Other agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police contributed with smaller but significant seizures totaling nearly P6.25 billion, while the Food and Drug Administration seized counterfeit drugs and health products worth P30.20 million.

IPOPHL Director General Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz emphasized that counterfeit products harm the economy by undermining legitimate businesses and market trust, and expose consumers to unsafe products bypassing regulatory checks.

The NCIPR aims to further educate the public on IP issues and is seeking amendments to the Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting.