Brussels, Belgium
September 18, 2008
A
report released today by the
European Crop Protection Association shows that fake
pesticides are increasingly present in most European countries.
These illegally-traded pesticides are completely untested and
commonly contain toxic elements that pose significant threats to
farmers, consumers and the environment. The report: "Counterfeit
Pesticides Across Europe: Facts, Consequences and Actions
Needed", gives the most extensive expose of the counterfeit
problem, its impacts and required solutions. It provides both a
macro-EU analysis, as well as country specific information for
seventeen countries.
The report's main findings are:
- Fake pesticides are
present in most countries. Untested, unregulated and
unapproved pesticides are present in most, if not all
European countries to a greater or lesser degree. 5%-7% of
the pesticide market is affected by counterfeiting and
illegal trade. In some regional hot spots, 25% or more of
products are fakes. There is growing evidence that
counterfeits are increasingly produced for and distributed
by organised criminal gangs.
- China is a major source of
counterfeits. Increasing amounts of counterfeit pesticides
are imported into the EU from China. 86% of all types of
counterfeited goods seized in 2006 at external EU borders
came from China. Chemical substances are supplied and
exported from China with no or little controls. Legitimate
China to EU imports increased by about 380% in the last 7
years, growing 8 times faster than average worldwide
pesticides imports into the EU.
- Regulatory and political
activity is not addressing the problem. Despite more and
more regulation related to pesticide use, less and less
attention is devoted to enforcement of regulations. Urgent
actions are required by policy makers, government
enforcement agencies, supranational entities, distribution
and supply chains, farmers and the food chain to slow the
increase. More efforts are needed focusing on the monitoring
and control of plant protection products used and pan
European coordination on enforcement activities.
- Fake pesticides pose major
threats. In addition to the significant health threats to
farmers, consumers and the environment, they cause economic
and reputation damage to farmers, governments and the food
production and delivery chain, diminish public confidence in
the regulatory process and deter investment for the future.
The report explains why the fight
against fakes is hindered by low recognition by politicians of
the extent and complexity of the problem, weak national
enforcement, limited European leadership and inadequate judicial
frameworks and penalties.
"For the first time, we have a picture of the extent and impact
of fake pesticides across Europe - and the picture is
frightening", said Rocky Rowe, ECPA lead on the anti-counterfeit
campaign.
To illustrate the different aspects of the counterfeit problem,
18 separate case studies are presented in the report. These
include:
• cases of illegal
repackaging in France and parallel trade abuse in
Germany,
• examples of successful prosecutions in Greece and the
UK,
• examples of farmer's fields destroyed in Italy, France
and Spain,
• illegal trade between Poland and Germany under the
guise of parallel trade,
• examples of illegal warehouses in Poland and Ukraine
with 500+ tons of fakes,
• an example of mass spray of illegal pesticides on
peppers for export in Spain.
In one example, fake pesticides
were packaged in vegetable cooking oil containers. Boxes
containing 5-litre bottles disguised as normal vegetable cooking
oil were found prior to distribution. Had consumers used the
"oil", serious illness or death would have resulted.
"Pesticide companies are devoting significant efforts to
fighting this problem but cannot stand alone. Counterfeiting
pesticides is criminal. Enforcement and political solutions are
essential to protect the public", said ECPA's Director General
Friedhelm Schmider.
To see the report, go to: :
http://www.ecpa.eu/files/ecpa/documentslive/9/17853_Counterfeit%20Pesticides%20across%20Europe%20-%20Facts-Consequences%20and%20Actions%20needed.pdf
The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) represents
the crop protection industry interests at European level. Its
members include all major companies and national associations
across Europe. For more information:
www.ecpa.eu. |
|