EU seizes record 196 Million counterfeit items in 2025
More than 196 million counterfeit items were seized across the European Union in 2025, a record high and an increase of more than 67% compared with the previous year. The estimated retail value of the goods reached €6.3 billion, up from almost €3.9 billion in 2024, according to the annual report by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Frequently seized product categories
Germany accounted for nearly 22% of the estimated value of counterfeit goods seized at the EU’s external borders, ranking second behind Spain, which represented more than half of the total value.
Frequently seized product categories included CDs and DVDs, software, toys, labels, tags and stickers, as well as cigarettes and clothing. China accounted for more than 40% of the seized goods by country of origin, followed by Turkey at just over 18%.
Diverse transport routes
The figures show where and how many counterfeit products were seized, but do not directly indicate how many fakes are sold in individual countries or the scale of illegal trade. High seizure numbers may reflect increased counterfeiting activity or more intensive and successful enforcement.
The EUIPO identifies diverse transport routes, limited inspection capacity and the growth of online retail—where goods are often shipped through express courier and postal services—as major challenges in combating counterfeiting. The report calls for forward-looking measures, closer cooperation, better information sharing and greater use of modern technologies to protect intellectual property and Europe’s economic strength.