The Program's main objectives:-

- Establish a mechanism for direct & indirect communication between governmental officials, business community and civil society (consumer protection organization) to coordinate and join efforts to combat counterfeiting.

- Discuss means of enhancing market surveillance and identifying the challenges that affect the detection of counterfeit products at entry points.

- Strengthen consumer awareness about the risks induced by counterfeit products on the safety and health of consumers.

- Exchange best practices adopted by foreign companies in other countries,
international organizations (World Customs Organization) to control and monitor Counterfeiting as well as the consumers' trend and behavior towards that phenomenon.

The program included two-day events as follows:

1-    Conference: One day – attended by officials from various government agencies (Internal Trade, Standardization and Quality Control, Customs) as well as representatives of relevant major companies working in Egypt. Speakers included international experts from the World Customs Organization, The International Union of Commercial Chambers and the International Trademark Associations to present their international experiences and policies about counterfeit products.

2-    Workshop: One day - Representatives of the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, International Trade Development Agency, Brand Protection Group for the Gulf region as well as professionals and legal experts addressed their applied plans and measures to regulate the internal market, to enhance consumer awareness and to foster international cooperation in that subject.

 The CPA recognizes and appreciates the efforts exerted by all parties which have assisted in preparing such program in Egypt, namely:

• Commercial Law Development Program - U.S. Department of Commerce.
•  The United States Agency for International Development, USAID.
•  Egyptian Brand Protection Group.

Sectors approached by the Third National Program:-

In preparation for this conference, Most of the authorities related to monitor the Egyptian market were contacted to identify most affected sectors by counterfeit consumer goods which have high risk on consumer's health and safety. Sectors identifies are the following: -

- Cosmetics including detergents.

-  Auto spare parts.

-  Household electrical appliances.

-  Cables, wires and other electric system tools.

Main issues  discussed at the conference & workshop:

-  Case studies of major companies working in the identified sectors in the Egyptian market about fighting counterfeiting.

- Policies adopted by the relevant government authorities to enhance surveillance over the market.

- The best practices of the World Customs Organization.

-  The initiative of the International Union of Commercial Chambers to stop counterfeiting and piracy, BASCAP.

-  Legal implications of measures taken against counterfeited products.

- Lessons learnt from other regional bodies such as the Brand Protection Group of the Gulf.

- The Egyptian General Federation of Commercial Chambers' program for more effective regulation of the market and enhance better risk assessment & early forewarning of counterfeit products.

Please press to see the agenda.