P TO U E K A W O TIME T GAL TRADE IN THE ILLE
S E D I C I T S E FAKE P
The global trade in fake pesticides is increasing year after year, presenting very real dangers to human health, the environment and the economy. It is time for Europe to wake up and take collective action to stamp out the trade.
. . . E R E H T T U O E R ’ Y E TH WHAT ARE FAKE PESTICIDES?
Increasing quantities of fake pesticides are being produced, marketed and sold around the world. Advances in technology along with relaxed trade laws facilitate the spread of fake pesticides. Fake pesticides come in several forms: Sophisticated counterfeit copies of branded and patented products, with the same labelling and packaging.
pies, Low quality co n ai pl th wi often g, in ll be la no or and unregistered . ed untest
Illegal parallel imported products masquerading as legitimate but containing inferior materials.
WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? Counterfeit and illegal products endanger us all. These products are not registered for commercial sale in Europe and do not conform to the strict regulatory quality standards set by the European Union. Illegal pesticides present a serious threat to crops, farmers’ livelihoods, the environment, and consumer and farmer health. The trade in fake pesticides often involves organised criminal gangs – and therefore supports criminal activity and the black economy of Europe.
5-7 % of Europe’s plant protection products are illegal. This number is increasing year after year.
imated An est lion in 0 mil s lost € 21-3 nues i e of e v e r tax caus lly be e. a u n n a rad this t
WHAT CAN I DO? Don’t accept fake pesticides. If you have suspicions about the nature of products you receive, report these to your distributor or the relevant local authority or agency. If you live in Italy, Spain or Greece you can report your concern via the fake pesticides hotlines.
WHO IS TACKLING THIS PROBLEM? The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) is working to increase awareness of the problem and to improve legislation controlling their import and use across Europe. ECPA regularly collaborates with customs and enforcement agencies around Europe. Over the past year several major fake pesticide rackets have been broken, with those involved subject to financial penalties and prison sentences. Targeted operations to break fake pesticide rings are currently underway across Europe.
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For more information, please contact: ECPA aisbl 6 Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 1160 Brussels - Belgium Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website:
+32 2 663 15 50 +32 2 663 15 60 ecpa@ecpa.eu www.ecpa.eu
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