EU report shows China counterfeit CD imports still flooding into Europe

10th July 2009

IFPI today responds to new figures released by the European Commission showing customs seizures of illegal and counterfeit goods at the EU's external borders in 2008.

The figures highlight that CD piracy is still a problem even in developed markets. While online piracy often claims a higher profile, the report shows that vast numbers of counterfeit CDs are still being imported into Europe from China. The clandestine manufacture, international distribution and sale of counterfeit CDs remains a huge problem for copyright holders.

Record companies invest around 20 per cent of their revenues in discovering and nurturing new acts, so such international piracy means there is less money available to give new artists the break they so desperately need. That is why we applaud the work being done by law enforcement agencies to try and stem the flood of illegal imports into Europe.

Links to:

Customs: Commission publishes 2008 statistics of Customs actions to enforce intellectual property rights at the EU's external border

2008 customs detentions of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) infringing goods – Frequently Asked Questions

Taxation and Customs Union

For further information contact:
IFPI London - Adrian Strain
Tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7939
Email: adrian.strain@ifpi.org