Fake goods, real danger: the €83 billion business behind Europe's illicit trade

Published on 01/09/2026 - 15:00 GMT+2

Nearly 5% of goods entering the EU are fake, costing businesses an estimated €83 billion annually.

At the port of Alicante, OLAF and Spanish Customs officers sift through shipping containers, hunting for counterfeit products hidden in plain sight among legitimate trade. Experts describe illicit trade as a sophisticated global business model, no longer limited to luxury items but now spanning car parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals and food.

Counterfeit car components pose particular risks, as they bypass safety testing entirely. Officials stress that buying fakes helps finance serious crimes, including drug and human trafficking, urging shoppers to think twice before chasing a bargain.