During 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, Abu Dhabi Customs recycled 578 counterfeit goods of international trademarks worth AED2 million that had been seized by customs centers. The recycled items, which included leather accessories like bags and clothes, watches and belts, cotton and sports clothes, and various smart devices such as wired and wireless headphones, were converted into usable materials for other fields. Any counterfeit goods that could not be recycled were destroyed in accordance with environmental and legal requirements at the Abu Dhabi Airport Customs Center’s Logistics Zone in the presence of Shredex, a company specializing in recycling operations, and representatives of the relevant trademark owners.
Fahed Gareeb Alshamsi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights as a top priority for the organization. He stated that they are constantly working with strategic partners to prevent the smuggling of counterfeit and adulterated goods to the markets by enhancing inspection capabilities with the latest technology-based detection devices and advanced techniques. This helps in increasing the efficiency of Abu Dhabi Customs inspectors and their ability to distinguish between original and counterfeit products and goods. Partnerships and cooperation with trademark owners are also formed to ensure the safety of society.
Recycling counterfeit goods helps to protect the environment and prevent damage that goes against the applicable environmental protection laws in the UAE. It also educates consumers about the use and trade of counterfeit goods. These efforts contribute to the society and the country’s economy and promote the importance of protecting intellectual property rights to enhance sustainable development for business continuity and economic prosperity.