360 tons of counterfeits seized

Europol seized 360 tons of counterfeit plant protection products. It is the largest-ever seizure of crop protection products.

Fake crop protection products were seized during an operation in which various ports, refuges and borders of 27 countries (including the Netherlands) were checked for the sale and import of counterfeit pesticides. It was not just about counterfeits, but also about infringements of intellectual property rights and illegal trade.

Illegal trade in the EU
Plant protection products are one of the most regulated products in the world and can only be traded and used in the European Union (EU) if the products are safe and authorized. European Crop Protection Association director Graeme Taylor said in a statement that the EU controls nearly 14% of the global illegal and counterfeit pesticide market.

This is not only a problem for the original companies, but it also poses risks to health and the environment. This is because such products have not been tested in accordance with the strict safety regulations that apply to the authorized substances.

Loss for EU
The counterfeit pesticides also mean a loss of €1,3 billion per year. According to Europol, the 360 ​​tons of crop protection products can be used to spray 48.000 square kilometers, which is about the size of the United Kingdom.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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