Russia Calls for Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods Imports

MOSCOW, Russia, October 7 (Trend) – Russia has vowed to suppress any attempts to import counterfeit goods into the country, emphasizing the need to uphold both intellectual property rights and product safety standards. This statement comes following recent reports that counterfeit Armenian cognac sold in Russia was traced back to a French company, highlighting the potential for fraud and consumer harm.

Igor Korotchenko, director general of the Caspian Institute for Strategic Studies (Russia), stressed that “any attempts to import counterfeit goods under one or another label into Russia…should be suppressed.” Korotchenko further emphasized that Russia “does not kick out any foreign firms,” implying that the crackdown targets illegal activities, not foreign companies themselves.

The Cognac Case:

In August, Russian experts found that almost 90 percent of cognacs from Armenia sold in Russian stores were unsafe and contained alcohol other than grape alcohol. The counterfeit cognac was found to be from the French concern Pernod Ricard, which has owned the Yerevan Cognac Factory since 1999 and produces under the Ararat brand.

Although Pernod Ricard announced its withdrawal from Russia in May 2023, this has not prevented the French company from continuing to develop the Russian market, albeit through Armenia. This highlights a potential loophole in trade regulations, where companies might exploit third-party operations to circumvent restrictions.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia has expressed strong opposition to counterfeit goods imports, citing concerns about intellectual property violations and consumer safety.
• The recent case of counterfeit Armenian cognac raises concerns about the potential for fraud and the effectiveness of current trade regulations.
• The Russian government has pledged to work with customs authorities and relevant agencies to combat illegal imports.

This development reflects a growing global concern over counterfeit goods, which pose serious economic and security risks. The Russian government’s stance underscores its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring the safety of goods sold within its borders.