Fakes are flooded with Poland: clothing and cosmetics the most. They go to the bazaars and the Internet

Virtually everything is fake: from semiconductors to groceries. And also the worst – toys, which, like cosmetics, are very dangerous in the form of fakes – the deputy minister of finance and deputy head of the National Tax Administration Małgorzata Krok told PAP.

A step asked if Poland is a target country for counterfeit goods or a transit replied that anyway.

“We are a target country – large amounts of fakes come to us: watches, clothing, footwear. These things are later sold mainly at bazaars, marketplaces. We usually find such things on the border, but also in the country, stalls or in stores. These products are also available on the Internet” – she said.

She noted that officers also find “factories” in Poland that deal with the production of counterfeit goods. “Recently, in Hrebenne, officers revealed smuggling labels and tags with codes for counterfeit goods,” she added. “So we also have production at home, and since we have production, probably these fake goods also go from us to other markets” – explained the deputy head of the KAS.

In 2023, the Customs and Tax Service recorded 831 disclosures of counterfeit goods worth over PLN 388 million. In 2024, however, we made 948 disclosures worth over PLN 248 million.

In terms of valuable, the most for counterfeit clothing, and numbers – cosmetics. “Virtually everything is fake: from semiconductors to groceries. And also worst, toys” – she emphasized. “Such counterfeit toys contain dangerous compounds and heavy metals. This is not visible, and it is very dangerous. We fight it hard” – she noted.

Last year, Kas detected: counterfeit clothing, watches, perfumes, medicines, as well as, e.g. masks, key rings, leashes or wallets.

In the laboratories of KAS, toy tests are carried out in terms of the content of phthalic acid esters, commonly called phthalates. They occur most often in toys made of PVC.

They are easily released under the influence of heat and easily dissolve in saliva, which poses a threat to the child's body and intoxication. For this reason, they cannot be in any products that the child can bite, suck or with which he has longer contact by skin.

Children exposed to contact with phthators show a greater tendency to develop asthma. They are more exposed to allergies and allergies, and they also increase the risk of developing second type diabetes.

Małgorzata Krok explained that you should beware of buying toys from unknown sources. The toy should have a clear and durable CE sign. This is the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the relevant EU requirements.

Dangerous compounds can also occur in counterfeit cosmetics – carcinogenic heavy metals occur, e.g. in mascara, concealers, eye shadows or lipsticks. In turn, nail polishes, hair varnishes, body lotions and counterfeit perfumes may contain carcinogenic phthalates. Formaldehyde forbidden in Poland is often added to counterfeit soap and deodorants, which was also found in counterfeit clothing.

In the laboratories of KAS, research is also carried out in terms of metal content, mainly nickel and lead, in products intended for direct and long -lasting contact with the skin (earrings, bracelets, chains, rings, wedding rings, etc.).

PAP asked the deputy head of the cash register about what was happening with counterfeit goods after confiscation. “If we are dealing with counterfeit products, then the decision what to do with the detained goods depends on the owner of the protected brand. The owner may conclude that it needs to be destroyed, but he can also agree that after removing the characters, he passed it on” – noted the step.

She explained that most often KAS then transfers such things to orphanages or social welfare homes or charity organizations.

We transfer goods to charity, which we consider to be in line with applicable EU regulations. “When we examine, for example, toys, even not developed, but we detect hazardous substances in them, then we destroy them unconditionally,” she assured.

Deputy Minister of Finance and deputy head of Kas Małgorzata Krok, emphasized that the health and life of citizens is priceless.

Marta Stańczyk (PAP)

Mas/ Jann/ Js/ MHR/