Experts from the European Commission hailed Dubai Customs exerted efforts in the field of intellectual property rights protection, as well as the departments progressive development of systems and programs geared toward combating the smuggling and trafficking of counterfeit products. They have also expressed admiration of Dubai Customsevidence-based outcomes in protecting the economy and the society from the harmful effects of IPR infringing products.

The commendation was voiced during a visit by an EU delegation to Dubai Customs headquarters. The high-level deputation comprisedDr. York Foyan, Counselor of EU Delegationto Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Wolfgang Penzias, Commercial Counselorof the EU Delegation to the They were received by Yousuf Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department at Dubai Customs.

During the meeting, the visiting delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs role in IPR protection and work mechanisms adoptedto deter and inhibit illicittrade of IPR infringements.The meeting also discussed the existing coordination with concerned government agencies via the government unified working team.DC as well presented an overview of the in-house developed procedures aimingtodetect all attempts at smuggling counterfeit items. Inspectors are being trained on a regular basis to stand against new tricks of camouflage used by smugglers to illegitimately import illicit goods into the country.

The EU delegation was introduced to the electronic systems of the IPR Department, and received a thorough presentation on its role in maintaining viable coordination with trademarks owners and concerned law firms. It is worth noting that DC scored an outstanding number of 139 seizures during 2013 with an estimated value of AED 17.63 million. Seized items included a variety of products mainly, clothing, mobile phones and accessories, car spare parts, watches and sunshades.

Yousuf Ozair Mubarak,Director of IPR Department at Dubai Customs stated: We are keen on developing our cooperation and coordination with the EU to further boost bilateral efforts in IPR protection. We are also committed to affirm the active role of DC in being a proactive agent towards reaching out and liaising with all regional and international agencies,for the purpose ofenforcing greater protection to the world economy againstcounterfeit products. And such meetings are set to nurture the exchange of expertise and information while increasing the efficiency of our systems and human resources.