Tujoromajo Kasuto
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), yesterday destroyed counterfeit goods valued at over N$5 million, which were confiscated following their illegal importation into the country.
NamRa spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu told the Windhoek Observer that Small Enterprises or online boutiques locally known as “Order with me”, that have gained momentum over the last few years are not protected from confiscation of counterfeit goods.
Thus, they should familiarise themselves with the law to insure they order genuine instead of knockoff products to avoid confiscation.
He added that “the counterfeit goods might be harmful to society as such goods would have not been subjected to the relevant established standards.”
The counterfeit goods destroyed included branded items displaying several prominent clothing brands and ranged from clothes, shoes, perfumeries and bags.
The consignment also included sanitizers and electronic devices such as cellular phones.
The destroyed goods are classified as counterfeit goods, meaning that they were manufactured or sold under another brand name without the brand owner’s authorization.
The goods were confiscated by NamRA officials at different duty stations as part of the enhanced enforcement of the applicable domestic and international instruments.
NamRA therefore calls upon the public to refrain from importing counterfeit goods as they could lose the acquired stock due to the violation of the law.
