In a world grappling with shifting trade policies and escalating tariffs, the new book Combating Counterfeit in International Trade by Dr. Tristan Evans and Ranjani Rangan arrives at a critical moment. With forewords by Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, P.B.S.C. Nonis, and Md. Zakir Hossain, the book offers a global perspective on how authorities and brand owners can safeguard supply chains under pressure from tariff-driven diversions and emerging illicit networks.
Counterfeit goods now account for an estimated $509 billion—or 3.3% of global trade—creating blind spots for customs agencies and opening the door to health and safety risks. As governments adjust tariff schedules, shipping routes shift, and unmonitored corridors spring up, counterfeiters exploit any lapse in oversight, infiltrating markets from pharmaceuticals to luxury goods.
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, highlights the role of technology in border enforcement: “Public awareness campaigns and data-driven risk management systems are central to detecting high-risk imports before they reach consumers,” he writes in his foreword . His insights underscore the need for advanced analytics and real-time monitoring to outpace sophisticated illicit networks.
Sri Lanka’s P.B.S.C. Nonis, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, emphasizes that counterfeiting is not merely a commercial issue but a national security concern. By embedding an Intellectual Property Rights office within its social protection directorate, Sri Lanka has created a model for proactive border enforcement and cross-agency collaboration .
Md. Zakir Hossain of Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue frames counterfeiting as a development challenge: “These illicit practices rob nations of revenue needed for public services and put citizens at risk—from fake medicines to unsafe machinery,” he warns . His foreword calls for integrated data systems like ASYCUDA World and VAT Online to close gaps in risk detection and ensure that critical imports are verified before clearance.
Against this backdrop, co-author Ranjani Rangan emphasizes the book’s actionable guidance: “As global tariffs reroute traditional supply chains, we must leverage cross-border intelligence and public-private partnerships to stay ahead of counterfeiters,” she explains. Her analysis navigates everything from forging false safety certifications to exploiting free-trade zones, showing brand owners how to bolster due diligence and work hand-in-hand with customs agencies.
Key takeaways include:
- Enhanced Data Transparency: Implement unified trade-data platforms to flag anomalies in bills of lading and certificates of origin.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthen information-sharing protocols among customs agencies, leveraging frameworks such as the WCO’s Counterfeit and Piracy Group.
- Technology Integration: Adopt AI-driven screening tools and blockchain-based traceability to authenticate products at every supply-chain node.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Engage e-commerce platforms and rights holders in real-time takedowns of counterfeit listings, extending efforts beyond physical checkpoints.
The book also delves into case studies—from counterfeit airbags sold for as little as $50 in online marketplaces to multi-million-dollar luxury-goods rings operating through Asian free-trade zones—to illustrate how coordinated action can disrupt illicit networks.
Combating Counterfeit in International Trade delivers a compelling blend of policy analysis, field-tested strategies, and insider perspectives. In an era of rising tariffs and complex supply-chain diversions, Evans and Rangan challenge governments, customs agencies, and brand owners to move beyond traditional enforcement and embrace a data-driven, collaborative approach to protect global trade integrity.
Whether you are a legislator crafting IP provisions, a customs official strengthening border protocols, or a brand owner safeguarding your reputation, this book provides the roadmap you need to confront one of today’s most pressing threats to international commerce.
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