4-6 August 2021, Online Workshop hosted by WCO

The WCO National Workshop on combating counterfeiting and piracy for Sri Lanka Customs Administration was held on 4 to 6 August 2021. The Workshop was organized by the WCO under the sponsorship of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan). 24 officers from Sri Lanka Customs administrations attended the Workshop. The expert on IPR from Japan Customs and Ms. Yuko Mamiya, Program Manager of the ROCB A/P, also attended the Workshop to support the facilitation of the Workshop.

During the Workshop, the participants actively discussed effective enforcement strategies to prevent counterfeit products from entering the national territory. In the light of global pandemic, discussions centered on combating illegal trafficking of medicines and medical supplies linked with the COVID-19. The WCO introduced its tools and instruments which help Members to effectively fight against counterfeit products at border. The expert from Japan Customs shared their experience in IPR border enforcement focusing on utilizing risk management.

Representatives of Right holders including pharmaceutical companies attended the workshop and shared important information such as a way to distinguish genuine products from countergeit ones, supply chains of genuine vaccines and counterfeit products indicators.

The active participation and contribution of the participants resulted in a successful workshop and this workshop supported enriching participants’ knowledge as well as enhancing communication between Customs Administration and Right holders. The participants expressed their appreciation to CCF/Japan, the WCO, the expert from Japan Customs and the ROCB A/P.

For more information, please contact at rocb@rocbap.org.