Illicit Consumer goods and Counterfeit Goods Webinar in collaboration with the Department of Mercantile Law, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (UP) South Africa

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Defective, illicit and counterfeit goods are popular in middle income countries as they are normally cheaper and in some instances even better packaged than the original product. This coupled with weak regulators in Africa provides an ideal cash cow for criminals as even low priced illicit goods can make money for criminals, as long as the sales volume is high enough.

To enhance awareness on this criminal trade, AGA-Africa in collaboration with the Department of Mercantile Law, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (UP) South Africa held a webinar titled “Illicit Consumer Goods and Counterfeit Goods” on 18^th November 2021.

The webinar was aimed at equipping the participants with knowledge and awareness of the adverse impact of counterfeit and illicit consumer goods upon consumers, the public health and safety concerns, the national security implications, and the overall negative impact upon the economy and provide a platform for engagement and co-operation to mitigate the trade.

The webinar was opened by Norma Tyili AGA-Africa Representative, South Africa followed by brief welcome remarks from Professor Jacolien Barnard, Professor, Department Mercantile of Law, Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

The informative sessions were facilitated by subject matter experts Jim Hennelly, Special Agent, Attorney General’s Office, Phoenix, Arizona, Ira Rheingold Executive Director and General Counsel, National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), Kari Kammel, Assistant Director, Education and Outreach for the Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP) Center, Michael Lamont, Associate, Adams & Adams Attorneys, Elina Mrari, Senior Inspector & Regional Manager, Eldoret, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and Professor Jacolien Barnard, Professor, Department Mercantile of Law, Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

John Ukegbu Esq. Senior Staff Attorney, New Jersey Office, Northeast New Jersey Legal Service (NNJLS), United States moderated the sessions.

AGA-Africa Representative for South Africa Norma Tyili brought the successful and informative webinar to a close.

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