Biotech Updates

Counterfeit and Illegal Pesticides Increasing Worldwide

September 19, 2008

The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) states that there is a rapid growth of counterfeit and illegally-traded pesticides in Europe and worldwide. These pesticides threaten farmers and consumers health and the environment. In their recently published report "Counterfeit Pesticides Across Europe: Facts, Consequences and Actions Needed", ECPA cited European customs authorities saying that about 70% of seizures of imported counterfeit and pirated products come from Asia. ECPA estimates that 5% - 7% of annual turnover is affected by counterfeiting and illegal trade. This is about €360 - €510 million of the European pesticide business across Europe.

The Association encourages politicians to recognize this problem and push for urgent actions by all stakeholders – governments, supranational entities, farmers and food chain and the legitimate pesticide industry.

The report is freely available at http://www.ecpa.eu/files/ecpa/documentslive/9/17853_Counterfeit%20Pesticides%20across%20Europe%20-%20Facts-Consequences%20and%20Actions%20needed.pdf