Nestlé, Customs fight fake goods

Sader law firm to train government inspectors

Global food giant Nestlé (Société pour L'Exportation Des Produits Nestlé S.A.) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Customs Administration to act against the illegal admission of counterfeit Nestlé branded products into the country.

The MoU aims to raise awareness among local stakeholders and highlight the need to fight counterfeits, according to Yasmine Berbir, General Business Manager at Nestlé Lebanon. “Counterfeit Nestlé products are either being packaged locally, or brought in mainly from Egypt through the maritime route” Berbir said. “We have assessed the situation and set out a clear strategy that requires active government support and integration,” she said.

According to Berbir, much can be done on this front once the private and public sectors join efforts: “Sader & Associates law firm has been designated from Nestlé’s headquarters in Switzerland to take custody of our Intellectual Property rights in Lebanon. Furthermore, they will conduct training sessions for Customs officers on identifying infringed products.”

Customs evasion has been costing the government substantial amounts in lost taxes and customs fees. “Counterfeiters are jeopardizing the safety of consumers as well as our brand name with low-quality products illegally using the Nestlé brand,” Berbir said.