Past Events

Youth Awareness Programme: ZERO -EVASION

Date: 17^th August 2022 | FICCI, New Delhi

Over the years, FICCI CASCADE is working on creating awareness on tackling the problem of smuggling and counterfeiting which is a serious menace to public health and safety. Along with policy makers, industry, enforcement officials and media, we have also been working closely with the youth in our fight to address this issue through various interschool and intercollege competitions and programmes.

FICCI CASCADE believes that it is important to bring the youth onboard the awareness campaign and through them influence the society as a whole. It will help in empowering and strengthening them to act for national development and will also help in shaping the future of our country in a brighter and more prosperous manner.

In our endeavour, to sensitize the young minds on the need to work together to address the growing hazards posed by counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE is organizing a Youth Awareness Programme on “Ill effects of Smuggling & Counterfeiting on the Country and the Role of Youth in Making India Free of Illicit Trade” on 17th August at FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi.

The programme will have competitions among the students of various schools from Delhi and NCR in the following/categories:

• Painting Competition    
• Elocution Competition 
• Creative Writing Competition

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling

29 July 2022 | Karnataka Police Academy, Mysuru

The magnitude of the problem of counterfeiting, and smuggling is widespread which demands emphasis and priority of enforcement agencies. Capacity building is an ongoing exercise that plays an instrumental role in motivating and enabling the law enforcement agencies to understand the gravity of the problem and take requisite actions against the perpetrators.

There are adequate laws available, but enforcement of the laws makes the role of police officers very important to fight against counterfeiting, and smuggling.

Therefore, to combat the socio-economic evils of illicit trade from the society, which are risky parasites to the economy and cause danger to the lives of individuals, FICCI CASCADE is organising a training program to sensitize the police officers of Karnataka on 29^th July 2022 at the Karnataka Police Academy, Mysuru

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling

6 July 2022 | Haryana Police Academy

Over the past few years, FICCI CASCADE has been working closely with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness on the adverse impact of the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling.  Among other activities, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organizations engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem.

With this background, FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers of Haryana on “Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling” at Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban on 6th July 2022.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Arun Kumar Singh, DIG, Haryana Police Academy stated that Haryana Police is taking significant actions to curtail the problem of illicit trade which is posing serious hazards to public health and safety. Dr Singh opined that lack of awareness in the society is shaping the dynamics of illicit trade. Imparting knowledge and raising awareness on the ill effects of counterfeiting and smuggling can go a long way to tackle it. He emphasized on the need for such training programmes, which not only sensitizes the officers on the magnitude of the problem but also helps them to understand the intricacies of smuggling and counterfeiting.

While giving an overview on Socio-Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi said, “The grey market is fuelling illegitimate industry, leading to increased criminalization in the society. This capacity building program is aimed to sensitize the police officers on the importance of continued
awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled products.” He highlighted that as per the recent FICCI CASCADE study, in FY 2018-19, Indian economy loses Rs 1,17,253 crore due to smuggling in the five key sectors and total livelihood opportunities lost is 16.36 lakhs.

Mr Nitin Saluja, Senior Policy Manager, Customer Trust, Amazon India said, “Amazon is focused in mitigating fraud and abuse on marketplaces that hamper customer trust. Amazon has introduced several initiatives and have put in resources to make its marketplace a reliable and safe platform for customers, brands, and sellers to conduct transactions. He further added that Amazon is committed to promoting and participating in the efforts for ensuring that the consumers are empowered to enjoy the benefits of online shopping while being protected from the risks the digital era may present.

Mr Ashish Sawant, Assistant Manager, Global Brand Protection, APAC Region, Johnson & Johnson accentuated that counterfeit products have a detrimental impact on both the manufacturers and consumers. It poses severe risk to company’s reputation, brand image and negatively affect the consumers’ confidence in the global market. It also affects businesses and consumers alike by sowing mistrust in genuine products made by reputable brands, Mr. Sawant added.

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling

Focus State: Tamil Nadu

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers of Tamil Nadu on “Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling” at Tamil Nadu Police Academy, Chennai on 31st May 2022. The capacity building programme was organized with an aim to sensitize the police officers on the importance of continued awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

Dr. A Amalraj, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu & Director, Tamil Nadu Police Academy was the chief guest at the programme. Dr Amalraj while highlighting the menace of illicit goods said that such products are not only harmful for consumers but also incur huge losses to the government exchequer. He also emphasized on the need for such training programmes, which not only sensitizes the officers on the magnitude of the problem but also help them to understand the intricacies of smuggling and counterfeiting. He added that “Police is directly involved in stopping the circulation of illicit goods in the society.”

While giving an overview on Socio-Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi said, “Capacity building in terms of skill, infrastructure and technology is essential for the law enforcement agencies in improving the detection and investigation mechanism of crimes relating to counterfeiting and smuggling.” Sharing data from a recent study by FICCI CASCADE, Mr Chand said, in the FY 2018-19 Indian economy saw a loss of Rs.1,17,253 crore and loss of 16.36 livelihood opportunities due to smuggling in five key sectors.

Mr Pradeep Dixit, Vice President, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd mentioned that proceeds from the sale of counterfeit, smuggled and contraband products contribute to the funding of criminal activities all across the globe. It is vital that industry and enforcement officers work in close collaboration to address this mounting hazard.

Mr Nitin Saluja, Senior Policy Manager, Customer Trust, Amazon India discussed about Amazon’s efforts in mitigating fraud and abuse on marketplaces that hamper customers trust and how Amazon via its various initiatives puts in enormous resources to deliver on its established tenets and to make its marketplace a reliable and safe platform for customers, brands, and sellers to conduct transactions. He stated that amazon is committed to promoting and participating in the efforts for ensuring that the consumers are empowered to enjoy the benefits of online shopping while being protected from the risks, the digital era may present.

Mr. Ashish Sawant, Assistant Manager, Global Brand Protection, APAC Region, Johnson & Johnson emphasized that misspellings, font or print format differences, unprofessional looking packaging, poor print quality, holograms that appear as foil stickers are the major clues to identify illicit products.

Dr. R. Sivakumar, IPS, Deputy Director, Tamil Nadu Police Academy proposed vote of thanks and stated that significant actions are being taken by the officers continuously to put down the illicit trade activities posing serious risk to public health and safety.

FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organizations engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem.

Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling

Focus State: Gujarat 

Medium: VIRTUAL

With the objective to sensitize the police officers of Gujarat to combat the socio-economic evils of illicit trade from the society, which are risky parasites to the economy and cause danger to the lives of individuals, FICCI CASCADE organized a “Capacity Building Programme for Gujarat Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 20^th May 2022.

Addressing the programme Mr. Saurabh Tolumbia, Deputy Inspector General of Police, CID (Crime and Railways), Gujarat said that the recent biggest seizure in Gujarat included duplicate versions of sunglasses of a high-end brand, worth ₹6 Crores. He stated that there have been 46 copyright cases over the last 2 years and Gujarat Police have managed to seize counterfeit goods worth Rs 12.5 Crore. He further mentioned that the police have seized duplicate watches amounting to more than Rs 3 Crore 31 Lakhs, and duplicate mobile accessories worth Rs 83 Lakhs.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in his welcome address said, “The illegal activities of counterfeiting and smuggling are flooding the market with substandard fake goods which are produced without following quality norms at unhygienic places, and are sold without issuing bills, thus contributing towards increase in unaccounted money.” Trade in counterfeit and smuggled goods has developed a substantial threat to the economy of our country and pose serious safety and security hazards to the society at large, he added. He also stated that the valiant police officers of Gujarat Police, have over the last couple of months taken several actions against criminals dealing with fake currency, illicit alcohol, smuggled cigarettes, fake injections and drugs.

While giving an overview on Socio-Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi highlighted the global estimates of illicit trade. He said that the wider social, investment and criminal enforcement costs due to smuggling and counterfeiting could touch $4.2 trillion by 2022, putting at risk 5.4 million legitimate jobs. As per the recent FICCI CASCADE study, in the FY 2018-19 Indian economy loses Rs 1,17,253 crore due to smuggling in the five key sectors and total livelihood opportunities lost is 16.36 lacs, he added.

He apprised on the innovative ways of counterfeiting and smuggling adopted by the illicit traders to run their illegal market network. He highlighted that India is an emerging economy and is on the right track to become the 3^rd largest economy in the world by 2025. To achieve the same, industrial growth need to be increased; more investment needed for growth and development; increase in expenditure on R & D is required and police being the primary enforcement body has to play an important role in enforcing laws.

Mr Pradeep Dixit, Vice President, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd said, “Smuggling and Counterfeiting expands black markets and encourages a convergence between organized crime, terrorist groups and other threat networks.” Generating mass awareness amongst the consumers is an important mean to curtail the hazards of growing illicit trade, Mr Dixit added.

Mr Nitin Saluja, Senior Policy Manager, Customer Trust, Amazon India discussed about Amazon’s efforts in mitigating fraud and abuse on marketplaces that hamper customer trust and how Amazon via its various initiatives puts in enormous resources to deliver on its established tenets and to make its marketplace a reliable and safe platform for customers, brands, and sellers to conduct transactions. He stated that Amazon is committed to promoting and participating in the efforts for ensuring that the consumers are empowered to enjoy the benefits of online shopping while being protected from the risks the digital era may present.

Over the years, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organizations engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling.

‘In Conversation with Mr. Vivek Johri, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs’

FICCI CASCADE organized an “In Conversation with Mr. Vivek Johri, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs” on 12^th May 2022. The objective of the session was to throw light on the smuggling scenario in India, enforcement of laws related to indirect taxes, steps taken to contain tax evasion and initiatives taken by CBIC to combat this menace.

Addressing the ‘In Conversation Series’ organized by FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) Mr Johri, said, “Gold, narcotics, and cigarettes are highly prone to outright smuggling. He further highlighted the extent of the menace and said that “At CBIC, we are going aggressively against illicit trade in these goods. In 2021-22, we seized 92,000 kg of narcotics worth Rs 17,400 crore, during this period, we also seized 14 crore cigarette sticks”. He added that artificial intelligence and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in targeting instances of smuggling which have significantly helped the department to deal with the growing menace of illicit trade.

Mr. Johri also shared those unscrupulous players indulging in illicit activities misuse free trade agreements, export promotion schemes, and misuse end user-based exemptions. He accentuated that CBIC is trying to overcome these challenges in a systemic way and have ramped up the use of technology in their operations with 22 cargo scanners at 16 locations to ensure 100% scanning of all containers coming into the country through gateway ports.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said that smuggling and illicit trade is increasingly hurting Indian economy and have crept into multiple sections of the society. Immediate steps are required, both in the form of policy intervention and awareness generation, to address this growing menace.

He highlighted that it is indeed heartening to see how CBIC is using AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning to strengthen the enforcement agencies in detecting such malpractices. Complimenting the GST council and CBIC for a well-balanced tax policy and maintaining equal thrust on revenue augmentation and strict handling of tax evaders. He apprised how this has led to effective compliance and record-breaking revenue collections. He further added that we can already see some green shoots and are hopeful that going forward collaborative efforts between government agencies and industries would bring fruitful results for the country.

Mr P C Jha, Former Chairman, CBIC and Advisor, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session stated that the magnitude of illicit market is large and with passage of time it is proliferating at an accelerated pace. One in 3 FMCG household and personal goods available in the market, is not genuine. Similarly, one out of 4 FMCG packaged food items and one out of 5 tobacco products including cigarette sold is an illicit product. Mr. Jha highlighted that FICCI CASCADE study indicates that in FY 2013-14 due to illicit trade in respect of just 7 items, total loss to government revenue was about Rs. 39000 crores and sales loss to the genuine industry was about Rs 1,05,000 crores.

FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of such interactions with experts to understand various facets of illicit trade and its impact on the economy.

Watch the session live at:. https://youtu.be/V_wl8b8aXhU

Interactive Session on Strategies to Combat Smuggling and Counterfeiting

26^th March 2022 | Amritsar

It is a well-known fact that the illicit trade in terms of counterfeiting and smuggling is a matter of great concern for nations across the globe. Over the years, FICCI CASCADE has been actively involved in creating awareness amongst the stakeholders against the alarming magnitude of illicit trade.

FICCI CASCADE organized an interactive session on the ‘Strategies to Combat Smuggling and Counterfeiting’ on 26 March 2022 in Amritsar to create awareness and sensitize all concerned about the hazardous impact of the smuggling and counterfeiting on the economy, health, security, employment etc. The session focused on issues such as the need for increased consumer awareness; strengthening of the enforcement regime; improvement in the regulatory mechanism; and enhanced stakeholder collaboration.

Highlighting the global menace of counterfeiting and smuggling, Justice Manmohan Sarin, Former Chief Justice Former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir & Judge, Hight Court of India said “The World Economic Forum, stated that illicit trade has resulted in an annual drain of US$ 2.2 trillion which was approx.  3 percent of the world GDP in 2020”.

While complimenting the enforcement officers of Punjab who have been relentlessly pursuing smugglers and counterfeiters, he said that their hands-on approach had led to large number of seizures in the state, of fake and smuggled consumer goods, alcohol, food products, gold, cigarettes, fertilizers and others.

Mr. Rahul Nangare, Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Amritsar, in his address, accentuated that 32 kgs of gold from Afghanistan, 584 kgs of heroin from Pakistan and 483 kgs of cannabis were recently seized by enforcement authorities. Talking about the menace of smuggling, he underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination, international collaborations, capacity building of officers and the need for modern Customs examination machinery, which were imperative for creating a balance between enforcement and trade facilitation.

Mr. Sanjay Gaur, Deputy Inspector General, Border Security Force, Punjab highlighted the challenges faced by BSF officers, such as difficult terrains, extreme climate and porous borders, in their day-to-day operations in managing the country’s security. “Items such as heroin, arms and ammunition, Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN), gold, silver, tobacco are the most smuggled items across borders”, he added.

Ms. Kameswari Subramanian, International Expert, Customs Law, Procedures & Trade facilitation and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE, while delivering the concluding remarks, shed light on the strategies required to combat smuggling and counterfeiting activities which were posing a serious threat to the economy.

The interactive session was also addressed by several eminent members including Dr. Debi Prasad Dash, Former Principal Director General, DRI and Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation, Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Mr. Sanjeev Tripathi, Former Chief Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Mr. Narendra Sabharwal, Former Deputy Director General, WIPO & Chairman, FICCI IPR Committee, Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Dr. Guriqbal Singh Jaiya, Former Director, SME Division, WIPO and Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, Former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police & Advisor, FICCI CASCADE.

‘In Conversation with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation’

Illicit trade in terms of counterfeiting and smuggling make up a vast ‘global businesses’, representing a multibillion-dollar illegal industry that creates a significant drain on the world economy. FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) on March 9, 2022 organized an ‘In Conversation with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation’ to discuss the role of consumers and consumer protection organizations in dealing with illicit products, importance of Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding consumers and initiatives that can be taken to contain the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.

“A strong consumer movement in an institutionalised manner with leadership from the government is the need of the hour to fight the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling” said Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation. He further added that to fight the growing menace of illicit trade, consumers must be able to report immediately if they find a difference in the specified quality of the product. A platform must be created for the consumers where they can share their experiences of encountering a smuggled, fake, defective, or counterfeit product. He emphasized on the need to address the issue at the grassroot level & take immediate action against illicit traders.

Emphasizing on the role of consumers in the fight against illicit trade practices, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “Consumers can encourage change through their choices and behaviour. By highlighting some of the key harms attached to counterfeit and smuggled goods, they can play an important role in raising awareness on just how risky purchasing these items can be both to themselves and to the wider community.”

“I strongly believe that apart from a policy framework that disincentivises such illicit activities along with aggressive enforcement against the criminals of this trade, sustained awareness campaigns for people and understanding demand behaviour are critical in this fight”, he added.

Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session said “it is not only the responsibility of the consumers to be aware of the growing illicit trade. But it’s time to go beyond & spread awareness amongst sellers about the adverse impacts of smuggled & counterfeit products”. Mr. Pande said challenge is to unite consumers and voluntary consumer organisations can play an important role in bring them together.

FICCI CASCADE has been over the years working closely with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness on the adverse impact of counterfeiting and smuggling. FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of multi-stakeholder dialogues to tackle this adversary and spread awareness about the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Watch the session at: Click here

In Conversation with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy organised an ‘In Conversation with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University on 3rd March 2022.  It was organised as a precursor to the World Consumer Rights Day on 15^th March 2022 to discuss the importance of Consumer Protection Act and the role of consumers in addressing the growing hazards of smuggling and counterfeiting across the nations.

Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India), National Law School of India University said, “Consumers have the right to be informed about the purity, safety, quality of the product, right to seek redressal against unfair trade practice and the right to be aware”. He further added that creating public awareness, increasing surveillance, and coordination amongst industry, consumers, NGOs, government, and media can help counter the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling effectively.

He also informed that “The Central Consumer Protection Authority will change the scenario in India with its Suo moto & investigative powers which takes care of all the rights of the consumers with regards to unfair trade practices, false and misleading advertisements.”

Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE in his welcome address said, “Counterfeit and smuggled goods are not only a threat to the country’s economy, but also bring serious harm to the consumers. Illicit products have infiltrated everyday avenues of commerce, making their way into supply chains, posing threat to individuals’ health and safety.”  “While the Consumer Protection Act is a stepping-stone to regulate matters involving violation & enforcement of consumer rights, the consumers must also act responsibly & cautiously while making any purchase”, he added.

Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE while moderating the session said, “Consumer awareness is of paramount importance and consumers should know their rights and duties. They need to stand united against the menace of counterfeit and smuggled goods”. Mr Pande emphasised on having a consumer movement in India against such serious crimes that are not only risking consumer’s health and safety but are also damaging the economy of the country”. He also stressed on having a dynamic policy and legal framework, quick consumer grievance redressal, mediation centres and aggressive campaigning to protect consumers against the menace of illicit trade”.

FICCI CASCADE, in pursuance of its agenda, has been organizing series of multi-stakeholder dialogues to tackle this adversary and spread awareness about the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Watch the session at: https://youtu.be/OWB3xCZLCB4

“Youth for Socio-Economic Development – Paving the Way for India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’“: An Inter-School Online Painting Competition against Smuggling and Counterfeiting