Over 1,400 allegedly counterfeit Pokémon products seized by Australian authorities
The Australian Border Force (ABF) reported over the weekend that they have seized 1,465 products from a single traveler arriving from Thailand to the Perth International Airport, over concerns the products breach intellectual property rights laws. ABF officers conducted a baggage search after the traveler declared they were carrying commercial products. The holders of the intellectual property rights (namely, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company International) are being consulted by the ABF to investigate the items’ authenticity, and as of yet, no charges have been filed.
The various plushies, hair clips, pencil cases, and key chains were allegedly intended to be sold at stalls at the Perth Royal Show, a major agricultural fair hosted by the nonprofit Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, whose 2023 event began last Friday.
“There are serious health, safety and environmental concerns over fake versions of products including children's toys, cosmetics, batteries, even safety equipment like airbags,” said Australian Border Force Superintendent Vesna Gavranich. “These items were… likely not safe for children to the degree expected by the community.”
The ABF reports that in 2023, they seized over 112,000 individual items coming into Australia, with an estimated value of $40 million AUD. Along with the Pokémon products, this major seizure included possibly counterfeit Sanrio, Barbie, and designer fashion items as well.
“Counterfeit goods impact every industry, and so this is a great detection by our officers and a timely reminder to the community," Superintendent Gavranich said.
