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In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a significant hub for counterfeit goods, posing a massive challenge to both local and international brands. Fake apparel, accessories, electronics, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and other products are being manufactured and sold in Turkey or exported at an alarming rate. It is estimated that the value of the counterfeit market in Turkey has exceeded €15 billion, a staggering figure that highlights the scale of the issue.

Globalisation and trade liberalisation, advances in technology, e-commerce growth, consumer demand and the involvement of organized crime are among the main drivers behind the rise in counterfeiting. As for Turkey, the country’s geographical position as a major transportation hub connecting Europe and Asia has made it an attractive destination for counterfeiters looking to distribute their fake products to a wider market. The 2021 EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) report highlights Turkey as one of the largest exporters of counterfeit goods to the EU, surpassing China and Hong Kong in certain categories such as clothing, accessories, and medicine.

Counterfeit products not only have economic and legal implications but they also pose a significant threat to public health and safety. For example, fake pharmaceuticals can contain harmful substances that can cause severe health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 1 in 10 medical products in low-and middle-income countries are either substandard or falsified, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. In Turkey alone, more than 8 million counterfeit tablets were seized in 2021, a number that has more than tripled since 2019.

Counterfeit goods in Turkey are sold in physical markets and online through marketplaces, social media and webshops, just like anywhere else. Whether you are a consumer, brand owner, or simply concerned citizen, it is important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself and others from the dangers of fakes. If your brand has been affected by counterfeit goods, seek assistance to combat the issue. By proactively addressing this problem, brand owners can protect their reputation, ensure the safety of their customers, and contribute to creating a more trustworthy marketplace in Turkey.