A global performance report on IPR Enforcement has ranked Pakistan at the top with 12 major seizures/forfeitures of intellectual property rights (IPR) violations, reflecting appreciation for Pakistan at the international level.

According to details released by the customs department Wednesday, European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) and Asia Europe Meeting

Association (ASEM) planned Joint Customs Operation (JCO) "HYGIEA", for the prevention against International Movement of Counterfeit Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) including counterfeit personal care, hygiene and household products, cosmetics, toiletries, food and health related goods. The ASEM is an inter-governmental platform of 51 member states of Europe & Asia, created for the purpose of cooperation on areas of mutual interest including customs with the objective of strengthening relationship between Asian and European countries.

Pakistan joined Operation HYGIEA in March-2019 and the FBR nominated the Directorate General of Customs, IPR (Enforcement), Islamabad, CIS national contact point.

The operational period of JCO HYGIEA spans from April 17-2019 to 15th September 2019 and on conclusion a debriefing meeting was scheduled on 26-27 September, 2019 at Rome, Italy, with a view to evaluate the performance of 38 participating countries out of 51 member states. A presentation on Pakistan Customs IPR (Enforcement) performance on operation HYGIA was made before the forum by the Director General IPR (Enforcement) Dr Arslan Subuctageen.

A final report on the JCO HYGIEA was formulated by OLAF, wherein performance of Pakistan was at the top with 12 seizures/forfeitures followed by Malta with 6 while Italy, France and Bangladesh were at the 3rd position with 2 seizures each. This outstanding performance of Pakistan Customs IPR (Enforcement) was acknowledged and highly appreciated by the European Anti Fraud Office, EURQPOL, ASEM and all participating member states bringing good name for the country, the FBR and Pakistan Customs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019