Today, the European Parliament has voted in favour of improved intellectual property protection. By adopting the report on Customs enforcement at first reading, EU customs authorities will be entitled to a greater extent to detain and possibly destroy goods which infringe upon intellectual property rights. At the same time, it was made clear in plenary that the fight against counterfeit medicine must not affect medical supplies of generic medicines to developing countries.

Jürgen CREUTZMANN (FDP, Germany), EP rapporteur on the issue, is satisfied with the outcome of today's vote: "The important improvements that the Parliament has added to the Commission proposal give us a strong basis for possible negotiations with the Council."

In order to counteract the increasing internet trade of counterfeited goods, a new procedure will be set in place, allowing customs authorities to destroy counterfeit goods without a court decision, if the right-holder confirms the infringement and the importer does not object. A special procedure for small consignments will further facilitate the destruction of these goods as the customs will not have to contact the right-holder on a case-by-case basis.

Creutzmann: "Counterfeit products not only damage the economy and put jobs at risk, but they are also potentially dangerous for the health and the security of consumers. The customs authorities are in the best position to hinder illegal goods from entering the single market. Our proposal helps the customs authorities to fulfil their duty more rapidly and more efficiently."