Free trade zones should be watched
Oct 21, 2005
Letter of the day<br><br>SIR — On October 13, you published an article entitled “Illicit trade still a problemâ€. The article stated forms of illicit trade such as smuggling, dumping, selling of counterfeits and concealment of information and some of its effects. The public should know that t
Letter of the day
SIR — On October 13, you published an article entitled “Illicit trade still a problemâ€. The article stated forms of illicit trade such as smuggling, dumping, selling of counterfeits and concealment of information and some of its effects. The public should know that the effects of illicit tradewhether on governments, organisations or companies always end up on individual consumers.
The public would want to see a concerted effort that could yield tangible benefits. It must be made clear that national enforcement authorities have a responsibility to act against illegal activities in free trade zones. If that responsibility is going to be backed with action, hurdles such as inadequate border protection, widespread manufacturing, weak or non-existent legislation and corruption are still prevalent.
Therefore, follow-up information on any evidence obtained, including forensic markings and information on shipping documentation, to assist further investigation and help build legal cases against illegal traders and sellers is very much needed. There should be incorruptible experts to examine and analyse seized materials and forensic training should be provided to enhance customs officials’ knowledge in spotting counterfeits.
Counterfeiting should be treated as a serious criminal offence just like fraud with serious consequences and penalties to the perpetrators.
On top of creating more public awareness, cooperation between private and public sectors is crucial. Both the private and the public sectors will have to allocate the resources to put this cooperation to work.
but if they do not do so, we are not convinced that the leaks of illicit trade will be sealed in the near future.
Beatrice Alyanata Tinka
Kampala
SIR — On October 13, you published an article entitled “Illicit trade still a problemâ€. The article stated forms of illicit trade such as smuggling, dumping, selling of counterfeits and concealment of information and some of its effects. The public should know that the effects of illicit tradewhether on governments, organisations or companies always end up on individual consumers.
The public would want to see a concerted effort that could yield tangible benefits. It must be made clear that national enforcement authorities have a responsibility to act against illegal activities in free trade zones. If that responsibility is going to be backed with action, hurdles such as inadequate border protection, widespread manufacturing, weak or non-existent legislation and corruption are still prevalent.
Therefore, follow-up information on any evidence obtained, including forensic markings and information on shipping documentation, to assist further investigation and help build legal cases against illegal traders and sellers is very much needed. There should be incorruptible experts to examine and analyse seized materials and forensic training should be provided to enhance customs officials’ knowledge in spotting counterfeits.
Counterfeiting should be treated as a serious criminal offence just like fraud with serious consequences and penalties to the perpetrators.
On top of creating more public awareness, cooperation between private and public sectors is crucial. Both the private and the public sectors will have to allocate the resources to put this cooperation to work.
but if they do not do so, we are not convinced that the leaks of illicit trade will be sealed in the near future.
Beatrice Alyanata Tinka
Kampala