Customs also believes that discouraging the import of counterfeit goods will stimulate economical activities nationally to replace these prohibited items with genuine local products and works. Enforcement of this law should also give confidence to investors who are involved in the trading of genuine goods to invest in Vanuatu.
As a consequence, Customs will commence with executing paragraph 65(1)(b) of the Customs Act No. 7 of 2013 regarding the importation of counterfeit goods in Vanuatu. This paragraph of the Customs Act states that it is unlawful to import into Vanuatu any goods which are:
- Counterfeit trademark goods; or
- Pirate copyright goods; or
- Goods infringing intellectual property rights; or
- Protection defeating devices.
It is important to note that Clause 22 of the Customs Regulations Order No. 113 of 2014 places the onus on importers concerned to produce the evidence to prove that the goods imported are in fact genuine. While section 68 of the Act lists some serious penalties for those who break this law.
To avoid disrupting any prior commercial commitments, Customs is giving a two month’s grace period for importers to complete their business commitments. The dateline for this grace period is 6th April 2015. After this date, Customs will seize all imported counterfeit goods as well as deal with those who smuggle such goods into Vanuatu.
Importers and Retailers concerned are encouraged to contact Customs on 33590 or by email
Customs is hereby appealing to the general public and those who feel that they may be affected by the importation of counterfeit goods, to report to Customs any illegal importation of these contraband into Vanuatu.
