Pakistan Customs significantly intensified its campaign against counterfeit and pirated products during fiscal year 2025-26, registering a notable increase in intellectual property enforcement actions and seizing fake goods valued at approximately Rs. 7.7 billion, according to official figures.
Data released by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement (IPRE) shows that Customs recorded 201 intellectual property rights (IPR) forfeiture and seizure cases during FY26, compared with 162 cases in the previous fiscal year.
The increase reflects a 24 percent rise in enforcement activity as authorities strengthened efforts to curb the illegal trade of counterfeit products.
The seized consignments included counterfeit luxury brands, textiles, automobile parts, cosmetics, footwear, consumer electronics, household products, and other items found to infringe registered trademarks and intellectual property rights.
Officials said the operations were aimed at protecting consumers from substandard and unsafe products while safeguarding legitimate businesses from unfair competition. Stronger border inspections and targeted enforcement measures were also intended to prevent counterfeit goods from entering domestic markets through illegal import channels.
In addition to enforcement operations, the Directorate General IPRE expanded awareness initiatives throughout the year. The department organized 30 workshops, seminars, and awareness sessions across Pakistan to improve understanding of intellectual property rights and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders.
The outreach programs brought together Customs officials, importers, exporters, chambers of commerce, customs clearing agents, rights holders, traders, and representatives from the private sector to discuss the importance of intellectual property protection and effective border enforcement.
Director General of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Abdul Qadir Memon said Pakistan Customs remains committed to enhancing its enforcement capabilities through continuous training, improved risk management systems, technological advancements, and stronger collaboration with national and international partners.
He said the department will continue strengthening measures to prevent the import, export, and transit of counterfeit and pirated products while facilitating legitimate trade in accordance with Pakistan’s intellectual property laws and international standards.
Officials added that combating counterfeit goods not only protects consumers from low-quality and potentially hazardous products but also supports innovation, encourages fair competition, and strengthens confidence in Pakistan’s trade and regulatory framework.
With counterfeit trade remaining a global challenge, Pakistan Customs plans to further modernize its enforcement mechanisms and expand partnerships to improve border security and intellectual property protection in the years ahead.
