FCC Seize Counterfeit Goods Worth TZS 441,355,530/-

PRESS RELEASE

FCC Seize Counterfeit Goods Worth

TZS 441,355,530/-

DAR ES SALAAM, 30^th August, 2017. The Fair Competition Commission (FCC), acting pursuant to the Merchandise Marks Act, No. 8 of 2003, has conducted a Search and Seizure operation in Dar es Salaam and Mtwara between January and July, 2017 and seized various counterfeit goods worth TZS 441,355,530/- the goods include

1.   59 pieces of counterfeit FIDEK Musical Speakers valued at TZS 53,100,000/-,

2.   30 pieces of counterfeit crown musical speakers valued at TZS 15,000,000/-

3.   1,246 pieces of counterfeit FEKON Motorcycle helmets valued at TZS

4.   18,640,000/=

5.   Eight (8) counterfeit SANLG Motorcycles and seven (7) counterfeit motorcycle engines valued at TZS 19,400,000/-

6.   Three units of Counterfeit HELI FORK LIFTS valued at TZS 167,607,765/-

7.   5889 pairs of counterfeit PUMA Footwear (shoes) valued at TZS 235,560,000

All search and seizure operations were prompted by market surveillance and investigation reports made by FCC.

Businessmen whose goods were seized during the said operations are at various stages of complying with the penalties issued to them in line with the Merchandise Marks Act (963), as amended and the MMA Regulations.

The FCC warns wholesale and retail sale businessmen and women to desist from engaging in counterfeit goods as the same is a criminal offence and is punishable by fines and jail terms.

Counterfeit goods also create uneven playing field and scares away investors from setting up production plants in the country.

Consumers are equally advised to check products for wholesomeness before committing their money in buying them. They are also advised to check for product information including manufacturer’s addresses ,country of origin, user manuals and warranty certificates and to demand a legitimate receipt for all their purchases. They have an obligation of reporting any conduct that infringe their rights at the market to relevant authorities, including the FCC.

FCC offices are located on the second floor of the GEPF House, Regent Estate, Bagamoyo Road. Aggrieved consumers can also call +255 22 2926128/29/30.

Search and Seizure operations as well as entry point inspections for counterfeit goods are continuous undertakings and businesses should voluntarily comply with the law.

For Further clarifications please consult Mr. Frank S. Mdimi, Senior Communications and Public Relations Officer, Fair Competition Commission, Mobile +255-784762437, E-mail: fmdimi@competition.or.tz