ENFORCEMENT
eop_ipec_jointstrategicplan_hi-res
eop_ipec_jointstrategicplan_hi-res
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator<br />
FIG. 29: The Growing Global Threat of Counterfeit Pesticide Use.<br />
ILLEGAL AND COUNTERFEIT PESTICIDES AN EVER EXPANDING RISK<br />
PRIMARY<br />
DANGERS<br />
Environmental damage<br />
Safety of farmers<br />
Global food supply<br />
Farmer Poverty<br />
The global economy<br />
and national GNP<br />
Crop health and yield<br />
Rural Social instability<br />
ALL AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS ARE UNDER THREAT<br />
AUTHORITIES &<br />
GOVERNMENTS<br />
LEGITIMATE<br />
MANUFACTURERS<br />
TRANSPORTATION<br />
& SHIPPING<br />
PESTICIDE<br />
RETAILERS &<br />
DISTRIBUTORS<br />
GROWERS/<br />
FARMERS<br />
FOOD<br />
COMPANIES<br />
THREATS TO<br />
THE VALUE<br />
CHAIN<br />
Illegal and counterfeit Illegal and counterfeit<br />
pesticides threaten pesticides may lead<br />
farmer health and to loss of innovation<br />
safety, hinder<br />
and inability to stay<br />
economic development, in business<br />
and erode<br />
government credibility<br />
A vast and complex<br />
global transportation<br />
system of vessels and<br />
aircraft is vulnerable to<br />
infiltration by dangerous<br />
illegal chemicals<br />
Unknowing sales of<br />
potentially<br />
dangerous illegal and<br />
counterfeit pesticides<br />
with unlisted or<br />
incorrect use<br />
instructions<br />
Loss of crops and<br />
income, deteriorating<br />
land health, and<br />
emotional distress<br />
Endangerment<br />
of the global<br />
food supply<br />
Source: Croplife International<br />
Europe. 113 It is estimated that more than 25 percent of<br />
the pesticides in circulation in parts of Europe may be<br />
illicit or counterfeit. 114<br />
Additionally, illicit trade-based operations have<br />
been associated with the mishandling of toxic<br />
chemicals, including outlawed chemicals and toxic<br />
dyes. This contributes to the emission of greenhouse<br />
gases polluting the air, as well as polluting soil and<br />
water systems. 115<br />
Lastly, the improper disposal of seized counterfeits<br />
containing unknown chemicals is also posing a<br />
growing risk and challenge. 116 Manufacturing waste,<br />
including electronic waste, may implicate more than<br />
1,000 different substances, including toxic heavy<br />
metals. When disposed of improperly, this waste<br />
can cause significant pollution problems and create<br />
health hazards. 117 As the counterfeit trade continues to<br />
increase, so will logistical challenges for determining<br />
how best to dispose of its waste while ensuring no<br />
environmental harms. 118<br />
FIG. 30: Customs x-ray of a truck involved in waste trafficking<br />
and transshipment fraud. The x-ray reveals the method<br />
of double layering to conceal cylinders containing ozone<br />
depleting substances behind declared cargo.<br />
4. Exploits Labor.<br />
Undeclared ODS cylinders<br />
The behind-the-scenes production of counterfeit goods<br />
often involves human rights violations, including the<br />
use of child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, long<br />
hours and dangerous “sweatshop” working conditions,<br />
and payment of unlawfully low wages that do not cover<br />
living expenses. 120 Although they read as if taken from<br />
a horror novel, reports from the field are all too real,<br />
describing labor practices that are contrary to the most<br />
basic principles of respect for human rights. Put simply,<br />
the safety and security of the laborer are ignored.<br />
Declared<br />
cargo<br />
Source: INTERPOL 119<br />
Illegal counterfeit enterprises often exploit the<br />
SECTION 1<br />
39