The statistics are contained in a report published by the European Commission on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the EU.
According to the report, which cites figures for 2014, the high number of detentions can be linked to the large amount of small parcels in express and postal traffic due to the rise in internet sales. Information is also included on the categories of goods detained, on their countries of origin and on the modes of transport used to ship such goods.
Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, said: “The protection of intellectual property should be a priority if we are serious about promoting innovation and creativity within the EU.”
He added: “This is also key for the health and safety of European consumers and for job creation. Our customs authorities carry out vital front line work in fighting against the import of counterfeit goods and the infringement of intellectual property rights.”